Strengthening EU's response to radicalization and violent extremism

Traditional law enforcement techniques are insufficient to deal with the evolving trends in radicalization and a broader approach is required to combat this phenomenon. On 15 January, the European Commission will present a Communication encompassing a wide spectrum of measures in order to prevent and counter radicalisation to terrorism and violent extremism within the EU.

The Commission has identified ten areas in which member states and the EU could focus their efforts to tackle radicalisation at home and abroad. Proposed measures include the creation of a European knowledge hub on violent extremism, the development of trainings for frontline practitioners, supporting a conference on foreign fighters in Syria to share practices and exchanges ideas, providing financial support for projects making use of modern communication tools and social media to counter terrorist propaganda and programmes facilitating abandoning violence and the underlying ideology.

Background

Since 2005, efforts against radicalization have been guided by the EU Strategy for Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment (last revised in 2008). While recognizing member states' authority as security-providers, the strategy contains joint standards and measures that aim at preventing terrorist radicalisation and recruitment, grouped under three key headings:

1. Disrupt the activities of individuals and networks that draw people into terrorism;
2. ensure that voices of mainstream opinion prevail over those of extremism, and;
3. promote security, justice, democracy and opportunities for all more vigorously.

The Communication follows up on Council conclusions from June 2013 and will contribute to reviewing the EU Strategy in the course of 2014.

More information

Home page of Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström

European Commission Radicalization Awareness website

DG Home Affairs

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