Open Access Government examines a new European initiative focused on preventing radicalisation called the EU Knowledge Hub
On 17th June 2024, the European Commission introduced a new initiative focused on preventing radicalisation called the EU Knowledge Hub. This Hub, which builds on the achievements of the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), aims to assist all parties engaged in preventing radicalisation, including policymakers, researchers and practitioners. It will serve as a collaborative platform with new formats to facilitate the joint efforts of these stakeholders at the EU level.
Commissioner for Home Affairs (2019-2024) Ylva Johansson and Annelies Verlinden, Belgian Minister of the Interior, Institutional Reform and Democratic Renewal, opened the conference. Participants focused on how the EU Knowledge Hub’s activities can support Member States and third countries in preventing radicalisation.
The crucial role of the Knowledge Hub at the EU level
Participants highlighted the vital role of the Knowledge Hub at the EU level. It will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, offer support for future trends, and adapt to emerging issues.
Other topics discussed include:
- Dealing with mental health issues among lone actors and the need for cooperation by means of a multi-stakeholder approach.
- The impact of geopolitical conflicts, such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing situation in the Middle East, on European societies.
- The radicalisation of minors and how extremist groups exploit this vulnerable group emphasises the critical role of families and schools in engaging with youth to encourage a feeling of inclusion and belonging.
We understand that radicalisation is a complex process wherein an individual or a group adopts a radical belief or ideology and uses or condones violence to achieve ideological or political objectives.
The Knowledge Hub will expand its activities beyond raising awareness. It will include organising “thematic panels” where prevention experts can collaborate on priority topics and facilitating “project-based collaborations” which Member States lead. The latter will encompass study visits, workshops, training, tailored support services, research, plus foresight analysis.
EU counter-terrorism policy
The EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation is outlined as part of the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda 2020. The Hub will also support the implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, which will be applicable as of June 2022, as well as the work of the EU Internet Forum. (1)
Commissioner Johansson, at the launch of the EU Knowledge Hub – radicalisation prevention 2.0, emphasised that significant progress has been made during her term to enhance Europe’s safety. She has introduced new EU laws to promote police cooperation and information exchange and has granted Europol enhanced authority, which will contribute to efforts in combatting terrorism. In addition, the regulation for removing terrorist content online is now in effect. Moreover, Member States have issued over 600 removal orders to eliminate terrorist propaganda from online platforms swiftly.
The increasing radicalisation of young people online
Commissioner Johansson is particularly concerned about the increasing radicalisation of young people online and the trend of younger individuals becoming perpetrators of violence. For example, in Slovakia, a 19-year-old killed two people at a gay bar. In Belgium, four teenagers aged 15 to 17 were arrested in March on suspicion of planning an attack in Brussels. “We must do what we can to end this.
We must protect our children and our societies,” Commissioner Johansson urged.
External threats making Europe less secure internally
External threats are making Europe less secure internally. Russia is inspiring and supporting far-right extremists within the European Union, undermining our democracies. A trial began against a far-right coup attempt in Germany has been witnessed, for example. Jihadi terrorism remains the most significant threat
with no sign of decreasing.
“I’m especially concerned about ISKP, a regional branch of Islamic State, capable of carrying out big attacks abroad. Alert levels are elevated. Member states are beefing up security around the Olympics and European Championships. The threat is real,” Commissioner Johansson continued.
Europe must elevate its efforts to counter radicalisation
While Europe has become somewhat safer over the past four years, the world is becoming increasingly dangerous. Due to this heightened danger, Europe must elevate its efforts to counter radicalisation. It is appropriate that the EU Knowledge Hub will assist practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in collaborating and providing more specific support to Member States.
“Because we need the whole of society for prevention: academics and policy makers working closely with prevention practitioners, with victims’ groups, with local police officers, teachers, social workers, family and community workers. They are the first to see when a child steps onto the slippery slope towards terror,” Commissioner Johansson remarked.
“And united in the Hub, we will get that child back up on his feet. We counter terrorism with the strong arm of the law. And the open arms of prevention,” Commissioner Johansson concluded. (2)
