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Recap: Expert Group meeting on Violent Extremism
On 12–13 March 2026, the Expert Group on Violent Extremism convened for an in‑person meeting in Bucharest, Romania. Hosted at the University of Bucharest, the meeting brought together practitioners and representatives from across Europe to finalise the overview of best practices for preventive interventions targeting juveniles and young adults up to the age of 26 under probation. Building on the extensive discussions and progress made in 2025, the group worked collaboratively to bring the document to completion.
The meeting opened with remarks from Daniel Wolter, Chair of the Expert Group, followed by an update from CEP. Participants then shared brief state-of-play reports, reflecting on developments since the last meeting and highlighting ongoing needs and challenges within their jurisdictions.
A major part of the first day was devoted to the finalisation of the overview of best practices for preventive interventions, the central output of the Expert Group. This document showcases a range of preventive interventions successfully implemented across EU member jurisdictions, offering insights and practical approaches to supporting young individuals vulnerable to violent extremism. Once published, it aims to serve as a valuable resource for CEP members seeking inspiration or guidance for their own practice.
The programme then continued with a presentation from the Romanian National Probation Directorate. Anastasia Neagu and Elena Pitiu provided an in‑depth look at the institutional responses and case management strategies applied within the Romanian probation context to address violent extremism, offering a practical perspective grounded in national experience.
Participants also received an update on the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, presented by Nadya Radkovska. This sparked a constructive exchange on knowledge-sharing across European structures and the potential for strengthening coordination with the work of the Expert Group. The day concluded with a forward‑looking session on the 2027 stream of work.
On the second day, participants visited the Ilfov Probation Centre. This study visit offered valuable insights into local practice, operational realities, and the day‑to‑day work of probation officers.
CEP thanks all participants for their expertise, contributions, and continued commitment to this important area of work.
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