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Expert group

Violent Extremism

Addressing the dangers posed by violent extremism in European countries is a primary concern of the criminal justice system. Prison and probation programs are key areas where radicalization and deradicalization intersect. In December 2016, CEP invited a number of experts in the field of violent extremism from different European countries to attend the very first expert group meeting on radicalisation and violent extremism.

The group

To prevent radicalisation, work for disengagement, provide rehabilitation programmes and post-release supervision, probation bodies across Europe have trained their staff to be able to work with and identify the potential threats from people on probation for different crimes. The changing landscape, emerging trends, and various movements across Europe, along with issues like fragmentation and the large number of people in prison awaiting release, have brought attention to several challenges: ongoing recruitment efforts targeting new members incl. children, and the rise of radicalization in online environments. As a result, probation and other involved agencies are focused on continuous staff training, staying informed about the latest trends, exchanging information, knowledge, and expertise, and developing specialized treatment programs.

CEP continues liaising and cooperating with international organisations in Counter-Terrorism including EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation (formerly RAN), ICCT, EFUS.

The group has been working to achieve following objectives:

to exchange information and knowledge on violent extremism,
to share good practices and to reflect on developments in different European member states,
to learn from the experience of experts in other countries dealing with similar problems and questions,
to disseminate relevant reports and research among CEP members,
to support and contribute to the development of projects dealing with the topic of radicalization and rehabilitation post-release,
to support policy developments, facilitate data collection and produce the report on interventions for offender until the age of 26.

Upcoming events

Interested in joining us for an event? Check out our upcoming gatherings

Registration deadline: 21-05-2025

Webinar on Violent Extremism and Assessment

22 May 2025
21 May 2025
online
CEP continues its series of webinars on key topics in probation.
Registration deadline: 21-05-2025

Past events

Interested in our past events? Or would you like to relive the highlights? Check out all our past events here

Expert Group on Violent Extremism

11 Mar 2025

Expert Group on Violent Extremism follow-up meeting

24 Jan 2025

Our knowledge of Violent Extremism

The dangers caused by violent extremism in European countries are paramount concerns of the criminal justice system. Prison and probation programs are two working fields where radicalisation, as well as deradicalisation meet. It is therefore important that prison and probation programs play an effective role in preventing violent extremism and raising knowledge regarding (de) radicalisation.

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