The European Union has recently expanded its list of terrorist organizations by including the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, increasing the total number of groups on the list to 23. This list primarily comprises Islamist organizations, with Al-Qaeda and ISIS maintained on a separate list. The EU's actions align with its ongoing strategy to counter terrorism and its effects on international security.

The establishment of this list is part of the EU's broader effort to combat terrorism, which began after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Since then, the EU has implemented restrictive measures aimed at various individuals, groups, and entities to mitigate risks associated with terrorism. These measures are designed to deter acts of terror through legal avenues while also providing a framework for cooperation among member states.

Understanding what constitutes a terrorist act is essential to the functioning of this list. The EU defines terrorist acts as intentional acts that can significantly harm a country or an international organization, especially those aimed at seriously intimidating the population or coercing a government. This definition highlights the complexity of modern terrorism and the challenges that come with enforcing security measures while also upholding civil liberties.