EU: 4,340 URLs related to “The Com” reported in response to new violent extremism

Unlike terrorist movements structured around a political or religious project, these networks are often fragmented and lack a unified ideology. Europol describes “The Com,” short for “Community,” as a loose collection of online groups with a misanthropic and nihilistic outlook, in which violence can become an end in itself, a means to gain status or notoriety.

The 4,340 URLs were identified during reporting days conducted in June and July with investigators from nine European countries: Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. These addresses were submitted as part of an initiative aimed at limiting the spread of violent content and identifying new investigative leads. The figure therefore does not correspond to the number of individuals involved nor to an equivalent number of criminal convictions.

The authorities’ main concern is the involvement of minors. Groups associated with this environment use social networks, messaging services, and gaming platforms to recruit members or approach victims. Europol reports having observed content encouraging self-harm, physical violence, cruelty to animals, sexual blackmail, or the production of child abuse material.

The European Commission believes that this phenomenon blurs the traditional categories of extremism. Studies published in April highlight the role of digital subcultures and group dynamics, with young people who can be both victims and perpetrators. Some factions also adopt references from violent far-right groups or accelerationist theories, without these constituting a common doctrine across the entire network.

Younger profiles that are more difficult to detect

Bartjan Wegter emphasizes that the jihadist threat remains significant in Europe, but security services have been observing for several years the emergence of younger profiles attracted by violence itself and the recognition gained within digital communities. Their lack of background, minimal offline footprint, and use of encrypted services complicate their detection.

The overall figures on terrorism in the European Union also show a strong presence of minors among those arrested. According to data cited by the Associated Press, 45 terrorist attacks were recorded in ten EU countries in 2025, resulting in six deaths, while 486 suspects were arrested in 21 member states. Approximately one third of those arrested were under 18 years old. However, these statistics cover all forms of terrorism and should not be attributed solely to nihilistic extremism.

Europol has launched the COMPASS project to coordinate investigations into “The Com” and related networks. The European agency indicates that it has received hundreds of requests for assistance over the past two years related to offenses committed in this environment, which extends beyond the borders of the Union.

The protection of minors at the heart of the European response

Brussels is now advocating for a response combining prevention, protection of young people, police cooperation, and dialogue with platforms. The Commission believes that an exclusively counter-terrorism approach is insufficient, as the same spaces can involve radicalization, sexual exploitation, harassment, extortion, and incitement to violence.

The debate is part of broader European efforts to better protect minors on digital platforms, as Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to harmonize the ban on social networks for those under 15. Authorities are seeking to improve the removal of illegal content and investigative capabilities, while maintaining safeguards related to privacy and fundamental rights.

For European security services, the challenge is to detect earlier the transition from a digital fascination with violence to offline acts, without automatically equating adolescent behaviors with a terrorist threat. The very definition of nihilistic violent extremism remains evolving, which further complicates any precise statistical comparison between Member States.