According to a February report by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), gang violence in the European Union continues to rise.
The report highlights that the surge in crime is linked to increasing competition between criminal groups, particularly in drug trafficking. The issue is most severe in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France.
Experts identify the recruitment of minors into criminal and terrorist organizations as one of the most alarming trends. In Sweden, for example, this has already led to the adoption of a law allowing authorities to monitor the phone conversations of children under 15.
Investigators believe that teenagers may be involved in a wave of explosions across the country—at least 36 incidents have been recorded since the beginning of 2025.
According to the latest Eurostat data, 10% of EU residents reported experiencing crime, violence, or vandalism in their neighborhood. Among those living below the poverty line, this figure rises to 12.3%.
The report also predicts that criminal networks will become more mobile, digitalized, and globally connected, potentially leading to further increases in violence.
The highest crime rates were recorded in:
Greece – 20.9%
Netherlands – 16.7%
Bulgaria – 15.6%
France – 14.7%
Spain – 13.6%
Belgium – 12.5%
