In addition to the changing geopolitical balance due to the war in the Middle East, Israel’s conflict with Hamas increases the risks of the emergence of a new wave of extremism, which is expected to threaten the security of Europe, while anti-Semitic attacks in Britain are on the rise.
Following the Brussels attack, Belgium has been placed on a state of alert, with Brussels on the highest level and the rest of the country on level 3. The Prime Minister, Alexander de Croo, has asked Brussels residents to remain “vigilant” at all times.
Measures stepped up in Brussels, Sweden and France
In addition to the state of alert in Belgium, special measures apply to the European institutions operating in the heart of Brussels. According to reports, the institutions will operate by teleworking, while the buildings will remain closed. The same applies to the European School.
Following the attack in Brussels, France has tightened controls at the border with Belgium. The French President referred in his remarks to the murder of a teacher, Dominique Bernard, last Friday by a young man at a high school in Arras, in northern France.
“I am here with you as France was struck again by a terrorist attack late last week that killed precisely a French teacher,” Emmanuel Macron said. He added that “barbarism has sought to strike again, those who teach this language which for centuries has carried lights, values, and hopes.”
Finally, in August Sweden raised its terror alert to the second-highest level, warning of an increase in threats against Swedish interests abroad after arson attacks on the Koran and other acts against Islam’s holiest text angered Muslims.