According to the annual report of the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (CUTA), the number of extremists and terrorists in Belgium has slightly decreased. In 2022, 80 new individuals were

added to the CUTA database, while around 90 were removed. The removals occur when there is evidence of successful reintegration into society.

Out of the approximately 700 extremists and terrorists listed, 87% are associated with jihadist beliefs, while just under 10% have connections to right-wing extremism. Left-wing extremists account for a limited 2%. The remaining individuals are being monitored due to anti-establishment sentiments following the pandemic or involvement in politics abroad.

CUTA director, Gert Vercauteren, emphasizes the ever-changing nature of the threat and stresses the importance of ongoing cooperation between partner services. He cautions against complacency and urges continued sharing of information and consultations. Additionally, Vercauteren highlights the significance of building societal resilience against extremist propaganda, particularly in the realm of online radicalization.

Established in 2016 after the Brussels terrorist attacks, CUTA serves as the independent Belgian center of knowledge and expertise responsible for assessing the terrorist and extremist threat to Belgium and its citizens both domestically and abroad. Photo by bert76 16:57, 20 August 2006 (UTC), Wikimedia commons.