Hybrid threats

The term "hybrid threat" refers to a combination of techniques or actions, carried out by state or non-state actors, aimed at negatively affecting or harming our country or its institutions undetected. Hybrid threats may include cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, espionage, interference in electoral processes, disinformation, instrumentalized migration, and the use of economic or financial pressure. Our National Security Strategy (2021) identifies hybrid threats as a priority for our country. Hybrid threats include, among other things, cyber-attacks, interference in electoral processes, disinformation, use of chemical weapons like Salisbury, terrorism and the use of economic/financial pressure. 

Belgium is committed both at the national and European levels, and within NATO, in the context of a comprehensive approach to security by working in a strategic, coordinated, and coherent manner in all relevant policy areas. The EU Member States and NATO Allies are encouraged to focus on civil and security sector preparedness to enhance their national resilience. At the national level, all stakeholders are brought together in the Hybrid Threats Platform, whose mission is to formulate an approach to hybrid threats for our country. 

The EU and NATO have also committed to close and constructive cooperation. Since 2017, the EU and NATO have jointly established the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, which aims to help participating states and institutions understand hybrid threats and defend against them. Since the summer of 2018, NATO has also set up Counter hybrid support teams, which provide targeted and adapted assistance to Allies at their request to prepare for and respond to hybrid threat activities. In the near future, the EU will also have the possibility to send “Hybrid Rapid Response Teams” to Member States and partner countries affected by a hybrid attack.