Crime in Europe 2025: Which cities have become the most dangerous, and where safety levels remain stable? Euronews research reveals trends affecting the lives of residents, tourists and expats

Crime in major European cities is on the rise, and increasingly it is linked to the use of firearms and the activities of organized gangs. Euronews has published a study that shows where the risk of encountering violence is highest, and where the level of safety remains stable.

Although Euronews analytics is not an official criminological statistics, it is based on national reports and media publications, reflecting general trends in safety in European cities.

We tell you about the most dangerous cities in Europe in this article.

Discover the safest cities in Europe: Dubrovnik, Tallinn, Warsaw, Prague, Krakow and Amsterdam. Read here how historical charm, comfort and safety for tourists are combined.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

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The most dangerous capitals of Europe in 2025

Brussels, Belgium - from the capital of the EU to the epicenter of crime

Belgian Brussels, the diplomatic heart of the European Union, has also become the leader of the anti-rating. Since the beginning of the year alone, 57 shootings have been recorded here, a significant number (more than 20) of which occurred in the summer. The most dangerous areas remain Anderlecht and Molenbeek, where the influence of gangs associated with drug trafficking is increasing.

Prosecutor Julien Moinil warned that “any resident can be hit by an accidental bullet.” To increase control, local authorities are even considering the possibility of involving military patrols, as well as expanding the video surveillance system.

Stockholm, Sweden - a wave of shootings in a once peaceful country

Sweden, long associated with stability and order, is now facing a new reality. As of August 2025, 55 shootings were recorded in the Swedish capital, resulting in the death of nine people. Gun crimes are also increasing throughout the country: 113 shootings and 33 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the year.

Criminal groups recruit teenagers, and in their arsenal they use both weapons and explosives. This significantly changes the image of Sweden as a safe country for life and tourism.

Marseille, France - drug mafia and clan conflicts

Although Marseille is not the capital, it was included in the ranking due to the scale of the problems. The city has long been known as the center of drug mafia and inter-clan wars.

In 2024, there were fewer deaths, but experts explain this only by a temporary "lull". Fatalities have been recorded again this year.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - instead of shootings, the number of explosions is increasing

In the capital of the Netherlands, the dynamics are different: the number of shootings is relatively small, but the number of explosions has increased sharply. In 2023, 197 such incidents were recorded - twice as many as in the previous year.

Analysts see this as a new form of gang warfare that poses a threat to both residents and tourists. There were fewer shootings: seven serious incidents, one fatal.

In a world where security is becoming increasingly important for tourists, businesses and expats, it is important to rely on reliable sources. In this article, we will look at the countries that have become the safest in the world according to Numbeo in 2025.

European cities with a moderate level of risk

The group with a medium level of risk includes Paris, Copenhagen, Athens, Lisbon, Rome and Madrid. Gun crimes do occur here, but they are less likely to threaten bystanders.

- Paris, France - the situation is less critical than in Brussels or Marseille, but the number of murders increased in 2024: at least four fatal cases were recorded.

- Copenhagen, Denmark – After a high-profile shooting, police introduced so-called “search zones” that allow checks and searches in problem areas, including Nørrebro.

- Athens, Greece – There are no official statistics, but local media regularly report serious incidents in 2024–2025.

- Lisbon, Portugal – In 2024, there was a triple execution-style murder, and several other dangerous cases were recorded later.

- Rome, Italy – In the past two years, there have been eight shootings, five of which were fatal; some of the attacks were mafia-style executions.

- Madrid, Spain – Last year, eight armed incidents were recorded, resulting in two deaths.

Relatively safe capitals

In Bucharest, Ljubljana, Nicosia, Prague, Riga, Sofia, Vienna and Zagreb, crimes involving weapons are rare. Tourists can feel much calmer here.

The safest cities in Europe

The most reliable in terms of safety are Berlin, Dublin, Helsinki, Vilnius, Budapest, Warsaw, Bratislava, Valletta, Tallinn and Luxembourg. Here, shootings are rare and exceptional.

Tips for tourists in 2025

When traveling in Europe, it is worth considering not only cultural attractions, but also safety factors:

- avoid disadvantaged areas,

- move at night only with an escort,

- use proven transport services.

Following these rules will help minimize risks even in cities with a high crime rate.

European megacities remain attractive for living and traveling, but statistics show that the level of danger is increasing even in those countries that were previously considered a model of safety. Conscious route planning, caution and adherence to basic safety rules will help significantly reduce risks.

Travel medical insurance is your additional protection in unforeseen situations. The policy will cover the costs of treatment or assistance abroad and guarantee peace of mind during your travels, even if you find yourself in a city with a high crime rate.

Recall! The European real estate market in 2025 shows sharp contrasts - while in some cities owning your own home is becoming an almost unattainable luxury, in others it remains relatively affordable for the average resident. Read here in which European cities housing became the most expensive in 2025, and where it can still be purchased at an affordable price.

Photo – Freepik

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