EU warns of ‘huge risk’ of terrorist attacks before Christmas
(VOVWORLD) - The EU is likely to face a “huge risk” of terror attacks ahead of Christmas, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson warned on Tuesday, linking the threat to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
 French police secure the site near the Louvre Pyramid in Paris (Photo: AFP/ VNA) |
Ms. Johansson’s warning followed an attack near the Eiffel Tower in Paris last weekend in which a German man was killed and others injured by a man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
Speaking to reporters before the start of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, Johansson said: “With the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the polarization it causes in society, and with the upcoming holiday season, there is a huge risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union. We saw it recently in Paris, and we saw it earlier as well.”
Johansson said the European Commission will provide an additional 32.5 million USD to bolster security in vulnerable areas, particularly places of worship.
In October, the French government elevated its Vigipirate security alert system to the highest level, “Emergency Attack”, following a terrorist attack in the city of Arras. French authorities have been monitoring terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the ministry is working closely with neighboring countries to deal with any terrorism threat against Jewish people as the conflict in Gaza fuels the situation.