Thematic Panel 2 - Prisons, Rehabilitation and Reintegration

Correctional facilities remain conducive environments for radicalisation in Europe. Increased numbers of radicalised individuals are being released from prison, posing security risks through extremist activities or proselytism, as highlighted in the latest European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2024 (TE-SAT) published by Europol. This makes radicalisation in prisons a priority concern in the EU Knowledge Hub. 

To address the challenges associated with radicalisation in prison settings and after release, the Thematic Panel on Prisons, Rehabilitation and Reintegration will promote a multi-agency approach, focusing on enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. The panel will review existing frameworks and propose new methodologies applicable across EU Member States and priority third countries, thus ensuring a comprehensive response to prison radicalisation and post-release vulnerabilities. 

By fostering collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, the panel will contribute to developing robust, evidence-based policies and practices that enhance security while promoting the effective reintegration of individuals. Ensuring a continuum between prison, rehabilitation, and reintegration is critical in addressing both immediate and long-term threats posed by radicalised individuals within the EU.

It will concentrate a cross-sectoral approach on the following core challenges:

• Addressing the ongoing risks of radicalisation in prisons and managing the threat posed by released radicalised individuals
• Ensuring continuity between deradicalisation/disengagement and post-release reintegration efforts, incorporating mental health considerations
• Enhancing and harmonising vulnerability and risk assessment tools to detect early signs of radicalisation within prisons and beyond
• Strengthening links between risk screening, risk assessment, risk management, rehabilitation, and reintegration measures from incarceration to post-release
• Promoting multistakeholder cooperation and information sharing among the different agencies
• Developing tailored interventions that consider individual vulnerabilities, including gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches
• Promoting prisons as places of opportunity for rehabilitation to ensure long-term stabilisation
• Establishing cooperation mechanisms with probation services and community organisations to ensure effective aftercare and follow-up strategies