This meeting will take place on 6 and 7 July in Podgorica, Montenegro.

We are looking for participants from the Western Balkans that are interested in joining the upcoming training on approaches to tackle violent right-wing extremism (VRWE).

Background and aim of the meeting

• Violent Right-Wing Extremism (VRWE) is increasingly becoming a significant threat in the Western Balkans region. Whereas the P/CVE focus until recently was primarily with Islamist Extremism, the region experiences a rise in VRWE. Policy makers and practitioners in the field are catching up on the reality of this rising threat. VRWE narratives in the Western Balkans are often framed along ethno-nationalist lines and both the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine have exacerbated the prevalence of VRWE narratives.
• With regard to manifestations of Islamist extremism, there is little discussion among experts on how to detect it, but the opposite is the case when it comes to VRWE. This is mostly the case because VRWE manifests itself in many different ways and a large variety of narratives is used, as well as the differences between countries are big. Multi-agency cooperation in the region is generally set up, but not yet tailored to tackling the VRWE issue. Practitioners lack a framework within which they can operate, both when it comes to recognising signs of radicalisation towards (V)RWE as well as with regard to possible interventions once they encounter right-wing expressions. Moreover, right-wing narratives confront some practitioners with their own biases and because some of these narratives are used in the political arena by right-wing populist parties, they are normalised and might therefore not be perceived as a threat. Lastly, many issues are based on legitimate grievances which should be confronted, without Othering individuals expressing extremist views. Many Western Balkans residents, for example, feel like second-rank citizens because of the way the region is perceived by Europe, which can serve as a breeding ground for developing (right-wing) extremist views.
• To strengthen Western Balkans’ practitioners in tackling the issue of VRWE in their own context, RAN in the Western Balkans is organising an awareness-raising training. During the two-day training participants will receive presentations on manifestations of VRWE in the region; examples of approaches on the different levels of prevention; case-study exercises; and the opportunity to discuss how in their context the issue of VRWE is tackled as well as needs and gaps that they identify.

Target group

We are looking for P/CVE practitioners from the Western Balkans region who are interested in learning more about how to tackle VRWE in their country/region.

Deadline and practical information

If you are interested in participating at this meeting, please fill out the form by clicking here. Please answer the questions and submit all relevant information by 19 June at the latest.

We will invite participants based on this information. Please keep in mind that we only have a limited amount of places available for this meeting to foster exchanges, so participation is not guaranteed. Moreover, participants are required to attend both days of the meeting.

Travel and accommodation are arranged and covered by RAN and interpretation in the Western Balkans languages will be provided.  

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Fenna Canters and Robert Örell.

This call is also available in: Albanian | Macedonian | Serbian