Radicalisation a global threat

Radicalisation leading to violent extremism continues to be a global threat, as we have, unfortunately, witnessed from the recent terrorist attacks in Nice and Vienna. Furthermore, it is a fact that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a rise of radicalisation, mainly due to the increase of online activity and the isolation of individuals, making them more vulnerable to extremist groups, who have spread their propaganda and appealed to sympathisers to commit attacks.

Radicalisation prevention is still a priority area for both the European Union and the Council of Europe, which have been acting upon it while respecting human rights and allowing citizens to live in an area of freedom, security and justice.

In this regard, there are three crucial points to be considered:

• It is essential to ensure interagency cooperation among all actors involved in the process of de-radicalisation/disengagement (police, judges, prosecutors, prison and probation services, etc.).
• Appropriate training must be provided for all these actors, not only at the top level, but most importantly, to all staff dealing with radicalised individuals in their daily job.
• States must improve international cooperation, ensuring an efficient system of information-sharing and continuous exchange of best practices.

Objectives

These points are among the objectives of the EU-CoE project ´HELP Radicalisation Prevention, Judicial Response to Terrorism and International Cooperation in Criminal Matters´ in partnership with the Confederation of European Probation (CEP). This two-year project allows probation staff (along with other criminal justice practitioners) in the EU to benefit from the exchange of experiences in cross-border-multi-country and multi-agency events, which in light of COVID restrictions are successfully being held online. As well as benefiting from capacity building tools by taking the HELP course on Radicalisation Prevention, a free and flexible training tailor-made to meet CEP participants’ specific needs.

For further information, please visit: https://www.coe.int/en/web/help/help-radicalisation-prevention1

Eva Massa Arranz

Project Coordinator

Council of Europe