Between Freedom and Security – The Social And Legal Consequences of Terrorist Attacks in Europe in the Early 21st Century

Abstract

The world of the beginning of the 21st century was shocked by dramatic and very tragic terrorist attacks. On September 11, 2001, the WTC towers in New York collapsed. Three years later, bombs exploded in Madrid and then in London. Years 2015-2016 were marked by a series of attacks in Europe. Each subsequent incident brought a change in the sense of threat to terrorism in the communities of all European countries. The radicalization of human views and attitudes regarding ways to combat terrorism has become noticeable. This also translated into the perception of others – foreign nations in each country. Taking the fight against terrorism, individual countries introduced law changes. On the one hand it’s giving new and powerful opportunities for security services, on the other hand, significantly limiting civil rights and freedoms.