Brussels, Dec 25 : Amid the festive ambience of European cities adorned with lights and decorations, this Christmas season is underscored by heightened security measures.

The recent university shooting in the Czech Republic, adding to the previous shooting and stabbing in Belgium and France, respectively, has exacerbated security concerns, casting a shadow over the holiday cheer in the continent, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, despite repeated warnings from security agencies, many tourists vowed these concerns will not impede their holiday plans. According to the travel analytics firm ForwardKeys, intra-European travel is exceeding 2022 levels, driven by sustained post-Covid demand.  “HUGE RISK”  A report from the United Kingdom (UK) National Counter Terrorism Security Office cited data from Western Europe, saying that terrorist attacks do not follow a discernible seasonal pattern. However, the Christmas period presents opportunities for attacks, not simply due to bustling celebrations but also because of its religious symbolism.  Authorities in Europe are on edge during this holiday season, given the recent rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks since the conflicts in the Middle East escalated.