EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation

Thematic panels will be the main platform for experts to network, discuss, and brainstorm, consolidating knowledge on preventing radicalisation within defined priority topics. These panels are aligned with the priorities set out in the Strategic Orientations, and their duration corresponds to the validity of these priorities. Leaders, co-leaders, and participants of the thematic panels will be selected from the expert database in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Commission. The composition of a thematic panel will remain unchanged throughout its entirety to facilitate in-depth discussions. Depending on the topics to be discussed or the need or specific expertise, researchers may also be invited to some of the meetings. The outcomes of the thematic panel’s work are summarised in annual reports. The Network of Prevent Policy Makers or the Commission may invite the leaders of thematic panels to report on their work.

Launched in 2019, Project-Based Collaborations (PBC) have proven highly successful in gathering and consolidating knowledge among Member States’ policy makers on prevention topics. Their objective is to gather insights from Member States, EU policy makers, and other stakeholders (such as practitioners, researchers, and representatives from third countries, or the private sector) on pre-defined priority topics aligned with the Strategic Orientations. PBCs are led by one or more Member States, potentially lasting up to two years, and their meetings are co-chaired by the leading Member State(s) and the Commission. The project outcomes are disseminated to all Member States.

The policy-practice joint events provide a platform for policy makers and practitioners supported by researchers, to discuss policies and practices with their peers. Their main objective is to identify practices that support the implementation of selected policy approaches and to design a common approach, ensuring that practices align with the most effective prevention policies. The summaries of the outcomes of the policy-practice joint events are presented to the Network of Prevent Policy Makers.

To tackle emerging challenges, the Knowledge Hub organises ad hoc meetings and events focusing on topics defined by the Commission in collaboration with Member States. These gatherings, ranging from workshops to conferences, cover subjects such as unforeseen geopolitical developments impacting radicalisation processes, discussions on Project-Based Collaborations’ outcomes or foresight scenarios for future actions, potential topics for in-depth studies, and the results of new research.

Study visits aim to support Member States, priority third countries, and practitioners in implementing successful policies, practices, and tools in preventing radicalisation or addressing strategic communication challenges developed elsewhere. The topics and questions for the visits are cooperatively drafted in advance with the interested Member State(s). After the visit, a follow-up discussion with the host country and participants will assess the impact on implementing policies and practices in the participating Member States.

Tailor-made support services are available upon request by a Member State, a priority third country1 , or a group of up to three countries. These services address specific needs related to the prevention of radicalisation or strategic communications challenges. They may provide customised support on prevention strategies and policies or on specific issues related to radicalisation and extremism that require urgent attention.

The objective, particularly for Member States, is to assist in implementing EU collaboration outcomes within the context of their unique conditions. Annually, the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and, where applicable, priority third countries, develops a list of topics for the yearly work programme. This tailor-made support is based on the needs expressed by Member States and is aligned with the Strategic Orientations.

The Knowledge Hub enhances skills and competencies in preventing radicalisation and strategic communications through diverse training formats — offline, online, and hybrid — ranging from one-day sessions to longer programmes. Topics align with the Strategic Orientations, as outlined in the yearly training programme. Training promotes materials from the Knowledge Hub and EU-funded projects, including those under the Internal Security Fund and Horizon Europe. The Hub also provides training on evaluation, aimed at assessing the implementation of policies, projects, and interventions. Regional approaches may be applied, and collaborations with national P/CVE centres or other coordinating organisations in the field of radicalisation prevention may be explored.

The Knowledge Hub provides a mentoring programme for young experts and offers mutual job shadowing for practitioners, researchers, and policy makers with extensive experience in the field of prevention of radicalisation.

The Knowledge Hub will develop relevant partnerships to provide data and analysis on radicalisation and extremisms. It will consolidate, create, disseminate, and promote knowledge, expertise, and good practices to prevention stakeholders.

The Hub will conduct medium-term in-depth studies to provide research-based knowledge on topics relevant to the prevention of radicalisation and the implementation of EU priorities (Strategic Orientations).

The aim is to regularly deliver data, key findings, and above all, a truly European vision that will contribute to making it a major benchmark player in the field, supporting Member States in their efforts to prevent radicalisation.

To carry out its research tasks, the Knowledge Hub will rely on two pools of experts: the Knowledge Hub Research Committee and the European Research Community on Radicalisation.

The EU Knowledge Hub offers an overview of available foresight scenarios and conducts workshops to discuss their outcomes and potential impacts.

 Upon request, the Knowledge Hub may provide specialised foresight scenarios for a Member State, a priority third country2 , or a group of Member States or Member States and priority third countries from the same region on a specific topic using methods such as the Delphi method.

The Knowledge Hub will develop a new comprehensive expert database that will be open to practitioners and policy makers to register, while researchers will continue to be covered by ERCOR. Registering in this database will be crucial: practitioners and policy makers will only be able to participate in the activities of the Knowledge Hub if they are included in the expert database. 

The expert database will serve multiple purposes: it will facilitate quick registration for Knowledge Hub activities, provide a better overview of the expertise of each participant, and enable the Commission to identify experts for events, consultancies, publications, trainings, etc. Members of the database will have the opportunity to modify or delete their profile at any time.