The European Union will “at last” designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, though the timeline is uncertain, according to U.S. State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Daniel Benjamin. Benjamin described the State Department as “cautiously optimistic” on the possibility of designation, which would constrain the Iran-backed terror group’s extensive non-profit fundraising and logistical activities throughout Europe. Some European nations have long opposed labeling Hezbollah a terrorist entity, and analysts are divided on whether the stance is borne out of a desire to maintain diplomatic channels, out of fear of Hezbollah retaliation, or out of other considerations. Bulgarian authorities are poised to issue a report on the summer bombing in Burgas, Bulgaria, in which five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian were killed, and opposition to designating Hezbollah will be difficult to sustain if the Bulgarians formally link the group to the attack.