In the Media: Thomas Renard on the foiled attack on Belgian PM and the threat of jihadist terrorism in Europe

On Friday, October 10, Thomas Renard, Director of the ICCT, was interviewed by multiple Belgian newspapers regarding the foiled attack on the Belgian Prime Minister, Bart De Wever and the rise of jihadist terrorism in Europe.

“Generally speaking, since mid-2022, we have witnessed a reorganization of the international jihadist scene, through groups present in Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, which has allowed them to reorganize their “public relations” branch, so to speak, and to find a certain form of resonance in other regions of the world,” Renard told Le Soir Newspaper.

Speaking to De Tijd, Renard clarified how, in the current day, terror suspects operate in a more isolated manner and lack extensive resources; they tend to focus on symbolic acts, targeting prominent politicians as symbols of "the enemy".

Read the three articles here:

De Tijd, Jihadism remains the biggest terrorist threat: 'Gaza has increased its appeal', 10 October 2025

Le Soir, In 2025, what are the new drivers of Islamist terrorism in our country?, 10 October 2025

L'Echo, Terrorist plot against Bart De Wever: "The threat of a drone attack in Europe is extremely real", 10 October 2025