Nicosia: The growing threat posed by lone actors, online radicalisation, chemical and biological hazards, and the role of prisons in preventing terrorism were among the key issues discussed at the European Conference on Security and Protection in Public Spaces, held in Nicosia within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, experts from across Europe, security officials, academics, and representatives of public institutions examined the evolving threats facing open public spaces, as well as the policies and tools required to enhance their protection and resilience.
Lara Raggi, an expert on radicalisation and lone-actor terrorism, noted that attacks carried out by so-called ‘lone actors’ represent one of the most significant security challenges facing European societies today. As she explained, these individuals are not necessarily linked to organised terrorist groups, making them particularly difficult to identify and monitor. They often use simple means and everyday objects, while drawing inspiration from a wide range of ideologies disseminated primarily through online platforms. According to Raggi, public spaces remain attractive targets due to their open and accessible nature, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and stronger prevention mechanisms.
Maksymilian Stela, a specialist in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, stressed that European countries must prepare for an increasingly complex risk environment that includes sabotage, the malicious use of hazardous substances, and attacks against critical infrastructure. He noted that technological advances and easier access to information are creating new challenges for security authorities, making it essential to develop advanced early-warning systems, specialised training programmes, and stronger cross-border cooperation. Stela also emphasised that prevention remains the most effective tool in addressing such risks, as responding to an incident after it occurs is significantly more difficult and costly.
Alkis Kakoulis, Head of the Operations Department of the Cyprus Police, highlighted that protecting public spaces has become an increasingly complex mission for law enforcement agencies. According to Kakoulis, security services are now required to plan and prepare for a broad spectrum of scenarios, ranging from terrorist attacks and violent incidents to emerging forms of hybrid threats. He stressed that security cannot be achieved at the expense of citizens’ freedoms and everyday life, making it essential to strike a balance between effective protection measures and preserving the open character of public spaces.
Pedro Liberado, an expert on violent extremism and organised crime, focused on the importance of correctional institutions as a critical element in preventing terrorism. He pointed out that a significant number of individuals involved in terrorist activities in Europe had previously spent time in prison, highlighting the dual role that correctional facilities can play-as environments where radicalisation may deepen, or as spaces for prevention and rehabilitation. According to Liberado, close cooperation between intelligence services, prison authorities, and social reintegration organisations is essential to identify risks at an early stage and reduce the likelihood of violent radicalisation.
In his keynote address, Dr Zenonas Tziarras, Lecturer at the University of Cyprus, analysed the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, stressing that developments in the region have direct implications for European security. He explained that conflicts, geopolitical realignments, migration pressures, energy challenges, and hybrid threats are creating an environment of heightened uncertainty that requires new approaches to security management. Dr Tziarras underlined that the concept of security can no longer be confined to military threats alone, but is increasingly linked to the resilience of societies, institutions, and public infrastructure.
In remarks delivered by Constantinos Yiangou, Deputy Mayor of Agios Dometios, on behalf of Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, it was emphasised that public spaces are not merely physical meeting points but the very heart of democratic life, social interaction, and cultural expression. As noted, squares, pedestrian streets, parks, event venues, and gathering places are environments where fundamental rights are exercised, social bonds are formed, and a sense of community is strengthened. For this reason, their protection has become increasingly important at a time when threats are becoming more complex and unpredictable.
In remarks delivered by Eleonora Papadimitriou Head of the Citizens’ Office on behalf of the Citizens’ Commissioner Panayiotis Palates, it was stressed that security cannot be limited solely to surveillance measures, policing, or operational preparedness, but is intrinsically linked to democracy, citizen participation, and social cohesion. It was noted that modern societies face multiple challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, disinformation, the spread of extremist ideologies, social inequalities, and growing distrust of institutions. These factors can act as catalysts for radicalisation and social polarisation, directly affecting societal security.