Thematic Panel 7 - Global and Geopolitical Factors and Undesirable Foreign Influences

The Thematic Panel on Global and Geopolitical Factors and Undesirable Foreign Influences examines the impact of external dynamics on violent extremism, and radicalisation within the EU. The panel plays a vital role in advising EU responses to geopolitical challenges, offering evidence-based recommendations to Member States. 

Through facilitating dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, it contributes to Europe’s resilience against external radicalisation drivers and foreign influence. Its work helps to shape prevention strategies at EU level, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats in various domestic contexts, while upholding democratic values and fundamental rights.

The panel priorities include:

• Develop a deep understanding of how specific types of global events contribute to radicalisation, and which PCVE tools can be activated in each case. Drawing lessons-learnt from the wars and geopolitical conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, Syria), political crises (Brexit, Capitol Riots), refugee crises and displacements, economic crises, health crises, terrorist attacks and their aftermath as well as technological crises (FIMI, AI revolution, crypto).
• Stimulate reflection related to societal resilience and preparedness towards these types of events, looking at possible strategic communication responses, strengthening current tools as well as creation of new capabilities.
• Establish a foundational understanding of the current global threat landscape, identifying key actors, their methods and tactics, and the geopolitical dynamics influencing radicalisation and extremism in the EU. Analyse the tactics used by extremist groups and state and non-state actors.
• Stimulate reflection on how to shield these target groups from influence. Analyse which PCVE instruments have proven most effective, pinpoint to gaps and reflect on new solutions.
• Further improve cooperation with key like-minded partners. Support candidate countries and priority PCVE countries (i.e. MENA) to strengthen their PCVE capabilities and address repercussions on PCVE of global events and foreign influence threats.
• Contribute to the upcoming new Agenda for Prevention and Countering of terrorism and violent extremism.