Hybrid threats

In recent years, Belgium, along with the EU and NATO, have been confronted with a significant number of new so-called "hybrid" threats internally and in their part of the world.

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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.

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.

World map with dots where cyber attacks have happened

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