Gun crime hotspots: Safest and most dangerous EU cities revealed

Cities in Europe with High Levels of Gang Violence and Gun Crime

In recent years, gang violence has become a growing concern across several European countries. From frequent machine gun attacks in Brussels to murders carried out by teenage hitmen in Sweden, the issue has drawn significant attention from authorities and media alike. While some cities have seen a rise in shootings, others remain relatively safe from such threats.

Euronews conducted an analysis of major European cities, identifying those most affected by gang-related violence and gun crime. The report does not claim to be a scientific study, as many countries do not provide detailed statistics on gun crimes, and not all EU capitals publish data. Instead, it relies on national statistics, media reports, and expert opinions to form a comprehensive overview.

The cities analyzed include both EU capitals and other urban centers where gang violence is particularly prevalent. Some exceptions were made, such as Marseille, which was included due to its high levels of gun crime last year. However, this focus on EU capitals means that some Balkan countries, where gun crime is also widespread, are not fully represented.

Danger Zone: Cities with Systemic Violence

Several cities have emerged as hotspots for gang-related violence:

Brussels – The Gun Crime Capital of Europe

Brussels has been identified as the most dangerous European capital in terms of gun violence. Drug-related gang conflicts in neighborhoods like Anderlecht and Molenbeek have led to a sharp increase in shootings. By mid-August, the city recorded 57 shootings, with 20 occurring during the summer. Public prosecutor Julien Moinil warned that everyone in the city is at risk, urging a coordinated crackdown on gangs. Belgium’s federal interior minister has even proposed deploying soldiers on patrol to help reduce crime.

Stockholm – A Once-Peaceful Capital Now in Crisis

Sweden has seen a dramatic rise in gun crime, with Stockholm recording 55 gunshots up to August 2025, resulting in nine deaths. The country has experienced a surge in organized crime, often involving individuals with migrant backgrounds. While the number of incidents in Stockholm is slightly lower than in Brussels, other cities like Malmö and Gothenburg are also seeing rising crime rates.

Marseille – A Stronghold of the Drug Mafia

Last year, Marseille was one of the most violent cities in Europe due to drug-related shootings. Although the number of deaths dropped from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, experts attribute this to a truce between rival criminal groups. Authorities are working to curb street dealing through operations aimed at reducing drug use. So far this year, there have been two deadly incidents reported in the city.

Amsterdam – Fewer Shootings, More Explosions

While Amsterdam has fewer shooting incidents compared to other cities, the local press reports that drug gangs frequently use explosives against rivals. In 2023, 197 explosions were recorded—double the previous year. Despite this, the number of shootings has decreased, according to police.

Risk Zone: Cities with Gang-Related Shootouts

Several cities have experienced numerous shootouts linked to gang activity, though the public risk is generally lower:

Paris – Safer Than Marseille or Brussels

Paris is considered relatively safe compared to Marseille and Brussels. However, the city saw an increase in murders last year, with 34 homicides recorded in 2024. Several deadly gun attacks were reported, some tied to drug gangs. Extra police were deployed for the Olympic Games in 2024.

Copenhagen – Search Zones Introduced

After a deadly shooting related to gang violence, Copenhagen introduced search zones where police can stop and search individuals. While the number of shootings is limited, the Nørrebro district has been a hotspot for gang activity.

Athens – Potential for Danger

Although Athens does not publish specific data on shootings, local media reported several serious incidents in recent years. Last year, at least five people were shot dead, and around six different shootings were recorded.

Lisbon – Recent Serious Gun Crimes

Lisbon has seen a rise in gun crime, including a triple murder executed in a style reminiscent of organized crime. This year, a young person was seriously injured in a shooting incident.

Rome – Mafia-Style Executions

Rome has witnessed eight shootings over the past two years, with at least five deaths. Some of these incidents involved mafia-style executions, though the city's size makes it difficult to track all cases.

Madrid – Limited Data, Some Incidents

Official data on gun crime in Madrid is scarce, but local press reports indicate eight shootings last year, with two casualties and multiple injuries.

Moderate Risk: Cities with Sporadic Shootings

Several cities fall into the moderate risk category, with only occasional incidents:

Nicosia – Several Gun Incidents

Nicosia has seen multiple gunfights and incidents in recent years, including a case where a police officer killed a Pakistani migrant.

Vienna – Rising Crime

Vienna has experienced some serious shooting incidents, including a clash between Syrian and Chechen migrant groups. While no injuries were reported, a drug-related shootout in 2024 resulted in two injuries.

Riga – Triple Murder

Latvia saw one of the highest homicide rates in the EU in 2024. In Riga, a triple gun murder occurred last year.

Sofia – A Few Shootings

Sofia reported five shooting incidents last year, one of which was fatal.

Bucharest – Road Rage and Street Fights

Most shootings in Bucharest result from road rage or street altercations. No major drug-related incidents were reported.

Prague – School Shooting Skewed Stats

Prague is typically one of the safest cities, but a school shooting in December 2023 resulted in 14 deaths. Otherwise, the city has seen minimal gun violence.

Ljubljana – Mafia-Style Execution

A mafia-style execution of a Bosnian man shocked Ljubljana last October. Gun smuggling is on the rise in the city.

Zagreb – Shooting Linked to Organized Crime

Two recent gun incidents were reported in Zagreb, one of which ended in injury and was linked to organized crime.

Low-Risk Cities: Relatively Safe Areas

Some cities have seen very few or no shootings:

Berlin – Relatively Free of Gun Crime

Berlin has reported few shooting incidents in 2025, with only one serious injury recorded.

Dublin – Generally Safe

Dublin remains largely free from gun violence, with only one fatal incident and a few other gun-related offenses reported in recent years.

Helsinki – School Shooting Skewed Stats

Helsinki is generally peaceful, but a school shooting in 2024 resulted in one death and two injuries. Another incident occurred this year when a young man fired shots while fleeing the police.

Safe Cities: Minimal or No Gun Crime

Several cities are considered safe from gang violence and gun crime:

Vilnius – No Gang Violence

Vilnius has no known gang violence or organized crime. Only one gun crime was reported last year, involving the killing of a lawyer.

Budapest – A Few Minor Incidents

Budapest has experienced a few minor shootings, mostly involving gas or rubber guns. No casualties were reported.

Warsaw – Minor Incidents

Warsaw has had a few incidents where shots were fired, mostly involving police. The city is safe from drug-related gang violence.

Bratislava – Very Safe

Bratislava has only two shooting incidents reported in the last two years, unrelated to gang activity.

Luxembourg City – Two Incidents

Luxembourg City has had two gun incidents, one involving a minor injury. The city remains generally safe.

Valletta – One Incident

Valletta has had one gun incident this year, with no injuries reported. However, police note that gun use for homicide is increasing on the island.

Tallinn – No Records

Tallinn has no public records of gun crime or shootings. Estonia has one of the lowest firearm-related homicide rates in Europe, making Tallinn the safest city on the list.