Thematic Panel 5 - Lone Actors and Mental Health Issues

Attacks carried out by so-called lone actors have long been a feature of the extremist landscape and continue to pose a serious threat. These individuals may appear to act alone and independently, but they often align with the objectives of larger networks or organisations. The involvement of individuals with mental health challenges in such attacks also remains a growing concern.

The aim of the Thematic Panel on Lone Actors and Mental Health Issues is to deepen the understanding of what is meant by individual actors in different Member States and how they are connected to other actors and small groups, particularly in the online environment. The connection between individual actors and mental health issues has been studied for a long time. This panel will examine this relationship in more detail while also exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between different stakeholders involved in prevention efforts.

The panel's key objective is to enhance knowledge on how individual actors can be identified more effectively and thus prevent violent acts. To this end, it will contribute to clarifying the concept of lone actors to enhance EU-level cooperation on the issue. The work will draw on existing research on the subject.

Additionally, it will expand and consolidate knowledge on the following topics:

• Understanding how lone actors radicalise
• The role mental health issues play in the radicalisation process, and the role of strategic communication in discussing these issues to avoid misunderstandings
• The connection between lone actors and the online world, including gathering indicators to help identify lone actors and prevent attacks
• Compiling best practices for fostering cooperation and strengthening prevention efforts