The Escalating Hybrid Threat Landscape in Europe

In recent months, Europe has found itself at the epicenter of an increasingly complex and dangerous hybrid threat environment. I cannot help but reflect on the profound implications this has for our societies, our democracies, and our collective future. Hybrid threats—those that combine conventional and unconventional tactics such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, sabotage, and economic coercion—are no longer hypothetical scenarios. They are unfolding in real-time, testing the resilience of European nations in unprecedented ways.

A New Era of Conflict

The nature of conflict has evolved. No longer confined to traditional battlefields, modern adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and even public opinion. Recent incidents, such as the sabotage of undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea and GPS signal disruptions affecting aviation and maritime navigation, have highlighted the fragility of Europe’s interconnected systems. These acts are not isolated; they are part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining trust in institutions and creating chaos.

At the heart of these threats lies a key actor: Russia. While attribution remains a challenge in hybrid warfare, many of these actions align with Moscow’s long-standing playbook of asymmetric tactics designed to weaken Western unity. However, hybrid threats are not limited to state actors. Non-state entities, hacktivist groups, and even rogue individuals have leveraged technology to amplify their impact on a global scale.

The Weaponization of Information

Perhaps the most insidious aspect of hybrid threats is the weaponization of information. Disinformation campaigns have become a powerful tool for sowing discord within societies. False narratives spread rapidly through social media, exploiting existing divisions and eroding trust in democratic processes. The European Union’s efforts to counter this phenomenon—such as the establishment of the EUvsDisinfo initiative—are commendable but insufficient. The sheer volume and sophistication of disinformation may call for a more robust and coordinated response. But this would be wrong in all means. Man will never be able countering misinformation and disinformation by what someone calls the “truth”. It would only mean a bidding war. But outdoing the other would never mean a “hero of truth” while others are limited down to “liars” – as interpretation is a matter that aligns every fact.

Critical Infrastructure Under Siege

Europe’s critical infrastructure has become a prime target for hybrid attacks. From energy pipelines to telecommunications networks, these systems are both highly interconnected and alarmingly vulnerable. The recent Nord Stream pipeline explosions served as a wake-up call, exposing gaps in Europe’s ability to protect its energy supply chains. Similarly, cyberattacks on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the devastating consequences of targeting essential services.

The question we must ask ourselves is not whether these attacks will continue but how prepared we are to withstand them. Resilience must become the cornerstone of Europe’s security strategy. And this may not only harden the interconnections but maybe to limited the interconnectivity amongst ourselves.

A Call for Collective Action

Addressing hybrid threats requires a paradigm shift in how we think about security. Traditional approaches focused on military might are no longer sufficient. Instead, we need a holistic strategy that integrates cybersecurity, public awareness campaigns, international cooperation, and private sector engagement.

1. Strengthening Cyber Defenses: Europe must invest heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure and workforce development. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risks. And: no cyber means no cyber-threat. Not everything that can be connected should be.
2. Enhancing Resilience: Regular stress tests for critical infrastructure should become standard practice across all EU member states. This includes not only physical assets but also digital systems. Becoming independent economically may in first regard be ineffective but would help in regard to defense and supply for the people for basic needs.
3. Not Countering “Disinformation”: Media literacy programs should be implemented at all levels of education to equip citizens with the tools to recognize and resist biased interpretations and narratives. The battle against disinformation can not be won anyhow. But what should be leveled up is the ability to recognize the biases behind every news.
4. Fostering Unity in Diversity: Hybrid threats thrive on division. Strengthening solidarity—both within the EU and with transatlantic allies—is essential to presenting a united front against adversaries. And the strongest common denominator may be the fact that everyone has his or her own conviction and that the freedom of speech and living should not be limited to or re-educated.

Our Role and Duty

As a defense professional, I believe it is our duty to contribute to this discourse by raising awareness and fostering critical thinking about hybrid threats to our freedom. We must challenge complacency and advocate for policies that safeguard our democratic values without compromising individual freedoms. It is easy standing up in Europe these days for minorities but one should not blame the opposite majority for having different views on the same matter.

Europe stands at a crossroads. The escalating hybrid threat landscape is not merely a security challenge; it is a test of our resilience as a continent united by shared principles of freedom, self-realization, and respect of others. How we respond today will shape the Europe of tomorrow.