Europol has warned that the widening US–Israel war with Iran is likely to have “immediate repercussions” for security across the European Union, including a heightened risk of terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and cyberattacks, according to comments carried by Spanish news agency EFE.

Europol spokesperson Jan Op Gen Oorth said he expects an uptick in cyberattacks targeting European infrastructure, as well as a rise in online fraud and scams that exploit the fast-moving information environment around the conflict — including increasingly sophisticated use of AI, EFE reported.

He also warned that groups linked to Iran could seek to carry out “destabilising activities” inside the EU, referring to the so-called “axis of resistance” network of Iran-aligned militias in countries including Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Europol said this could include attempted terrorist attacks, intimidation campaigns, terrorist financing and cybercrime.

“The level of terrorist threat and violent extremism in EU territory is considered high,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that risks could be amplified by lone actors or small self-starting cells, and warned that the rapid spread of polarising online content can accelerate radicalisation in the short term — including among diaspora communities and other individuals.