The 5 most dangerous countries in Europe in 2025 and why you shouldn't move there

Europe is not always safe: some countries have high levels of crime and terrorist threats. Find out which 5 European countries are considered the most dangerous in 2025

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Although Europe is traditionally considered one of the most peaceful continents in the world, some countries still pose a high risk to life and safety. This article ranks the most dangerous European countries based on data from World Population Review.

The Peace Index takes into account a wide range of factors: the level of violent crime, terrorist attacks, whether the country is at war, the stability of the government, and international relations. The higher the GPI, the more dangerous the country is to live in.

Ukraine is the most dangerous country in Europe

As of 2024, Ukraine tops the GPI ranking. The main factors are the ongoing military conflict in the country, high levels of local instability, and risks associated with military action. Despite this, the country is actively rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, and offers a low cost of living.

Russia and Belarus: high-risk neighbors

Russia and Belarus occupy the second and third positions in the ranking. The main factors are political instability, international sanctions, and frequent human rights violations.

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Cyprus and France: high risks in safe Europe

Unexpectedly, Cyprus and France are among the five most dangerous European countries. These countries are affected by high crime rates in large cities, frequent terrorist threats, and vandalism. In particular, data from Eurostat and Euronews research show that 10% of EU residents have encountered violence or crime in their neighborhood at least once.

Tip: For Ukrainians planning to travel or stay abroad temporarily, it is important to take out travel insurance for traveling abroad. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can easily choose insurance with the necessary coverage and receive a ready-made policy by email in 5 minutes.

Other countries with increased danger

Moldova ranks sixth in the rating, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, and Greece. The highest number of reports of crime and violence come from Greece, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, France, Spain, and Belgium. In these countries, it is important to choose your place of residence with particular care.

The safest countries in Europe

For comparison, Euronews and Eurostat statistics name Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Estonia as the safest countries in Europe. In these countries, the local crime rate is less than 5%, and overall safety allows you to travel and live without significant risks.

We remind you! The launch of the Entry-Exit System (EES) on October 12 was the most significant change at the EU borders in recent years. The new rules are designed to improve security and migration control, but the first days turned into chaos — especially for Ukrainians crossing the border with Poland. Queues, glitches, and unprepared infrastructure showed that the system needs refinement. Read how the EES works now and what travelers can expect in our previous article.

Photo: telegraph.co.uk

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