War in the Middle East fuels terror threat in European Union, Brussels warns

As the conflict in the Middle East continues with no end in sight, Brussels warns that this war could potentially amplify the risk of terrorist threats within the European Union.

The relentless and brutal war in the Middle East signifies a significant escalation in the terrorist threat to the European Union, warns the European Union Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson.

- There is a possibility that terrorists may enter amidst migration flows, but in my view, the greater threat is from individuals who are already here and have been radicalized - affirmed Johansson during an interview with the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera". According to her, these individuals pose the greater risk of carrying out attacks.

Johansson highlights that, at present, there aren't any noticeable large migration surges due to the conflict in the Middle East, however, such situations may arise. She believes that it is necessary to screen all individuals who arrive directly into the EU.

According to Johansson, the risk of radicalization is higher amongst those who are present illegally and remain outside mainstream society. - This is similar to the attacker who carried out a terrorist act in Brussels, claiming the lives of two Swedish citizens - she drew attention to.

The Commissioner concedes that there are difficulties in repatriating migrants who do not qualify to remain, back to their countries of origin. As she observed, the procedures relating to repatriation in many EU countries are "fragmented".

- The EU border protection agency, Frontex, should provide support to nations undertaking the repatriation of migrants - she concluded.