European Union-Republic of Korea symposium puts spotlight on emerging technologies and counterterrorism cooperation
Incheon, Republic of Korea, 8 April 2026 — The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), in partnership with the European Union (EU), convened its 5th International Counter-Terrorism Symposium in Incheon, bringing together approximately 150 security practitioners, policymakers, and experts from over 20 countries.
Held under the theme “The Dual Nature of Technology in the AI Era: Future Terrorist Threats and Prevention Strategies,” the event provided a platform for international exchange on the evolving security implications of emerging technologies.
European Union, 2026
In his opening remarks, Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “I am confident that the fruitful discussions at the Symposium will further sharpen the global strategic response to both current and future terrorist threats. No matter how rapidly new technologies advance, the solidarity of the international community in safeguarding human security must be faster – and stronger.”
European Union, 2026
Roland Honekamp, Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing evolving threats: “The security challenges we face today cannot be addressed in isolation. They require multilateral cooperation across borders, institutions, and disciplines.
He further highlighted the growing relevance of dual-use technologies: “The key question is how we collectively manage this duality, ensuring that emerging technologies are harnessed for public safety while mitigating the risks of misuse.”
The programme was structured around sessions focusing on the exploitation of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping future terrorist threats, and on policy, strategic, and technological approaches to prevention and response.
Discussions covered a range of emerging challenges, including AI-assisted terrorism, the evolving technological landscape in counterterrorism, AI-quantum applications in chemical threat detection, and the growing accessibility of 3D-printed weapons. Contributions also addressed the impact of AI on evolving extremist content online.
Convening experts from law enforcement, policy, and research communities, the symposium provided a platform to reflect on how technological developments are reshaping both threat environments and prevention approaches. The sessions highlighted key considerations related to preparedness, situational awareness, and cooperation across jurisdictions.
The EU contributed to the symposium through its support for international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, including through the EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific). This included contributions on the accessibility of 3D-printed weapons, presented by the EU’s Counterterrorism Expert to ASEAN, Frank Geens, and the impact of AI on online extremist content, delivered by a senior specialist from Europol.
The joint activity reflected the broader commitment of the EU and the Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism and shared security challenges, as part of the EU-ROK Security and Defence Partnership signed in November 2024.
European Union, 2026
About the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA)
The Korean National Police Agency is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the Republic of Korea, including counterterrorism coordination and international cooperation.
About the EU ESIWA+ project
ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific) supports the EU’s engagement with partners in the region across areas including counterterrorism, maritime security, cyber security, and crisis management. The project is co-funded by the European Union, Germany, and France, and co-implemented by GIZ International Services & Expertise France.
For more information, please contact:
Rahul Venkit
Communications & Visibility Expert
EU ESIWA+ project