In 2022, the violent extremist threat has continued to evolve. This year has seen a number of major socio- and geo-political events which have impacted communities right across the EU, such as: the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, an outbreak of monkeypox, the ongoing war in Ukraine, a number of terrorist attacks, the continued spread of disinformation and conspiracy narratives, the worsening energy crisis, a new inflation crisis and rising interest rates. Such events have, among other things, resulted in socio-economic distress, an increase in polarisation and distrust in authorities. These factors, combined with the evolution in digital technologies, have given new opportunities to violent extremists to reach, engage, radicalise and recruit vulnerable individuals.
In the face of these challenges, RAN Practitioners has continued to connect frontline practitioners from all corners of the EU, from many different fields of work, to come together to share knowledge, experiences and ideas about how best to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). Through Working Group meetings, cross-cutting events, study visits, webinars and a series of papers, products and publications, RAN and its network of practitioners have been able to generate new insights which have informed the development of new practices and the delivery of new interventions.
As the year comes to a close, we therefore take a look back at some of the emerging P/CVE challenges that have arisen and some of the key events that have taken place. This edition of the Spotlight publication also provides an update on some of the key activities that have been delivered, hearing from some of those practitioners who have been involved, including on the European Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, the RAN Plenary, the RAN YOUNG platform, and RAN in the Western Balkans.
As always, we want to hear from you. If you would like to contribute to future editions of Spotlight, or if you have ideas for an article, interview or feature, please get in touch with the RAN Practitioners communications team.