5 most dangerous countries in Europe right now

From Russia to Cyprus, here are the five least peaceful countries in Europe according to the latest Global Peace Index data.

• Russia ranks as Europe's least peaceful country per GPI.
• Ukraine and Belarus also have high instability and risk scores.
• France and Cyprus face security issues but stay tourist spots.

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Planning a European getaway this year? Beyond postcard-perfect cities and cobblestone charm, one question quietly shapes every itinerary: how safe is your destination right now?

Europe is often viewed as one of the world’s most peaceful regions, but the reality is more nuanced. Not every country ranks equally when it comes to stability and security. Political tensions, internal unrest, active conflicts, and levels of militarisation all influence how peaceful — or volatile — a nation may be at any given time.

The latest findings from the Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, offer a data-driven lens into these differences. Widely regarded as the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness, the index evaluates 99.7% of the global population and tracks long-term trends in safety, conflict and stability.

The GPI is built on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, assessing factors ranging from crime rates and political instability to the intensity of internal and external conflicts, as well as military expenditure. Rather than focusing solely on crime, it provides a broader structural view of peace within a country.

These indicators are grouped under three core pillars: the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation. Together, they form a comparative global ranking of nations based on overall peacefulness.

It’s important to note that a higher GPI score indicates lower levels of peace — meaning greater instability or risk. Based on the latest available data, here are the five European countries that currently record the highest (least peaceful) GPI scores.

Russia

1. Russia — GPI Score: 3.441

Russia ranks as the least peaceful country in Europe in the latest index. Its high score is driven largely by the ongoing war with Ukraine, elevated militarisation, and geopolitical tensions with Western nations. International sanctions and strained diplomatic ties have further affected stability. Many countries maintain strict travel advisories, and travellers are urged to check official guidance before planning a visit.

Ukraine

2. Ukraine — GPI Score: 3.434

Ukraine continues to record one of the highest GPI scores globally due to the ongoing conflict on its territory. Active fighting, infrastructure damage, and civilian risk significantly impact its peace rating. Most governments advise against all travel to Ukraine, and regular tourism activity remains suspended.

Belarus

3. Belarus — GPI Score: 2.267

Belarus ranks third among Europe’s least peaceful countries. Political instability, internal unrest, and its strategic alignment with Russia have influenced its score. Several nations advise caution while travelling, and visitors are encouraged to stay updated on local regulations and entry requirements.

France

4. France — GPI Score: 1.967

France’s inclusion reflects domestic security concerns, including past terror incidents and periodic public unrest. While it remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, certain urban protests and security alerts have impacted its peace score. Major tourist areas, however, continue to operate normally with strong security measures in place.

Cyprus

5. Cyprus — GPI Score: 1.933

Cyprus appears on the list mainly due to long-standing geopolitical tensions and militarisation linked to its territorial division. Despite this, it remains a functioning and popular tourist destination, particularly in the southern region.