Counter-Terrorism Systems in the European Union in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical Instability

Abstract

Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive study of counter-terrorism systems in the European Union by analysing their institutional, legal, and organisational mechanisms, assessing the effectiveness of existing approaches, and identifying the key challenges and issues in the field of security.

Method. The study employs systemic, institutional, comparative-legal, and structural-functional approaches. The research applies methods of analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, content analysis of EU legal acts and strategic documents, comparative analysis of the activities of security institutions, statistical analysis of data from Europol, ENISA, and other European organisations, as well as elements of scenario analysis to assess the prospects for the development of the EU counter-terrorism system.

Findings. The study analyses the contemporary architecture of the European Union's counter-terrorism system and identifies the roles of Europol, Eurojust, Frontex, the Schengen Information System, and other institutions in ensuring security. The main trends in the transformation of terrorist threats are identified, including the spread of digital radicalisation, cyberterrorism, and hybrid forms of confrontation. The study substantiates directions for improving interstate coordination, information sharing, the use of digital technologies, and the development of predictive response mechanisms to address contemporary security challenges.

Theoretical Implications. The research advances the scientific understanding of the functioning of the contemporary counter-terrorism architecture of the European Union, the patterns of transformation of terrorist threats, and the role of digital technologies in ensuring security under conditions of geopolitical instability.

Practical Implications. The findings may be used to improve public policy in the field of counter-terrorism, strengthen international security cooperation, harmonise Ukrainian legislation with European Union law, and develop proposals for enhancing cybersecurity, interagency coordination, and information exchange among competent authorities.

Paper Type. Theoretical and analytical.