Annual Report 2025

The Belgian security landscape can rarely be put into simple trends or
unequivocal conclusions, and 2025 was no exception. Although the general
threat level in Belgium remained at level 3, some clear shifts in this
emerged over the past year.
In 2025, CUTA observed a clear decrease in the overall number of threat reports, As well as a reduction
in their average severity. Although this development is encouraging, the security landscape remains
complex. International geopolitical tensions acted as a major driver. This was clearly reflected in the
number of threats stemming from the context abroad. These were the second largest category in terms
of volume.
As in previous years, the main threat continued to emanate from Islamist-jihadist actors, although its
share decreased. At the same time, the threat picture became more diverse. Both right-wing and leftwing
extremist milieus showed a higher level of activity in 2025. The anti-establishment phenomenon
also persisted, often fuelled by disinformation and conspiracism, and characterised by a diffuse ideological
nature.
In addition, a new phenomenon received increased attention in the past year: nihilistic extremism. In
these cases, traditional ideological frameworks play only a secondary role, while online dynamics, manipulation
and a fascination with gratuitous violence take precedence – frequently targeting young and
vulnerable profiles. This evolution underlines how the threat picture is continuously reshaped, and why
analytical frameworks must be regularly updated.
In this context, an integrated approach remains essential and the national Strategy for the Prevention
and Fight Against Radicalisation processes, Extremism and Terrorism (Strategy T.E.R.) constitutes the
reference framework. Coordinated by CUTA, this strategy brings together all relevant stakeholders: security
and intelligence services, judiciary, administrative authorities, local partners, prevention services
and actors from the health and social care sector. A joint approach is pursued at every level of government,
from the local to the federal level.
This cooperation enables earlier detection of signals, more accurate threat assessments, and more effective
monitoring of individuals through tailored interventions. In 2025, efforts focused on streamlining
the national working groups, with an emphasis on portrayal and a targeted flow of information. The
national working group on Prevention was restructured and will henceforth prioritise improving the
functioning of the LISC R. In addition, CUTA contributed to the development of an e-learning module, in
cooperation with the police, to support the transmission of information from the Common Database to
frontline police officers and with care providers.
As in previous years, we organised our colloquium in cooperation with the Egmont Institute. The central
theme of this edition was anti-establishment sentiment. Connecting the dots is not an empty slogan
for CUTA: this edition brought together 150 representatives from the security services, academia and
practitioners.
CUTA will continue to fulfil its coordinating role within the Strategy T.E.R. in the future too, bringing partners
together and contributing to an effective and proportionate approach to terrorist and extremist
threats. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the staff of CUTA and all the partner
services for their daily dedication, professionalism and commitment. Together, we continue to build
a resilient society, while upholding the democratic rule of law and the fundamental freedoms we protect.

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