Radicalisation and Extremism Challenges in Western Balkans: CoE’s International Meeting

The Council of Europe organised a significant gathering centred around Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Western Balkan countries. IPS CEO Pedro das Neves took part in the event and stressed the imperative of collaborative integrated efforts and forward-looking strategies in the continuous endeavour to prevent and address radicalisation within the region.

The Western Balkans grapple with a diverse landscape of extremism, characterised by various forms and drivers of radicalisation, including violent right-wing extremism, violent Islamist extremism, and violent ethno-nationalist extremism.

The capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, served as the host for the “Coordination meeting with international partners on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in the Western Balkans”.

Taking place on May 11th, 2023, this pivotal international gathering aimed to address the intricate challenge of radicalisation and violent extremism in the Western Balkans.

The event was organised within the framework of the regional action plan titled “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”, which is being executed as part of the third phase of the Horizontal Facility Programme for the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Funded jointly by the European Union and the Council of Europe, this initiative has been carried out in close partnership with the Ministries of Justice and the P/CVE coordination mechanisms of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. It also engages a wide spectrum of pertinent regional stakeholders and civil society organisations.

Council of Europe’s approach to P/CVE in the region

In response to these threats, the Council of Europe has been actively working in the region, employing a multifaceted approach that encompasses legal and policy frameworks, penitentiary capacities, and education.

As an important actor in the prevention and countering of radicalisation and extremism, the Council of Europe provides invaluable expertise and guidance on developing effective legal and policy frameworks.

These frameworks are designed to thwart the spread of extremist ideologies and promote inclusive, democratic values. One of the focal points of the Council’s efforts is the enhancement of penitentiary capacities to effectively address radicalisation within prison environments across the Western Balkans.

In addition, the Council of Europe supports the education and youth sectors to foster democratic citizenship and human rights awareness. By nurturing an environment that encourages open dialogue and critical thinking, these efforts aim to steer young minds away from the allure of extremist ideologies.

Collaborative commitments to P/CVE in the Western Balkans

This international meeting was a testament to the collective commitment of international partners to address the pressing challenges posed by radicalisation and violent extremism in the Western Balkans region.

The EU, in partnership with the Council of Europe, is actively backing projects and initiatives that empower Western Balkan partners to prevent and counter radicalisation leading to violent extremism and terrorism.

Holistic efforts in tackling radicalisation

IPS’ representation at the event was a significant moment, underscoring a dedication to driving innovation in the realm of prison systems, offender rehabilitation and reintegration, and the prevention of radicalisation.

Pedro das Neves’ insights underscored IPS’s contribution to tackling the complex issue of radicalisation within prison systems, through different transnational projects with a special focus on tangible solutions that aid in risk assessment, offender reintegration and the prevention of radicalisation. He highlighted that this is an area that demands interdisciplinary collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.

On behalf of the HOPE project – Holistic Radicalisation Prevention Initiative – led by IPS_Innovative Prison Systems, the CEO participated in a panel alongside representatives from the Council of Europe, the European Commission, The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), and the International Organisation for Migration.

As he remarked: “We particularly looked at the ongoing and future support to the Western Balkans beneficiaries, with an emphasis on addressing radicalisation in prisons and handling violent extremist prisoners and offenders”.

The meeting featured discussions, presentations, and joint panels, serving as a platform to exchange insights and ideas that contribute to ongoing efforts to curb radicalisation in the region, thus fostering safer, more inclusive communities in line with citizens’ rights and European values.

“We discussed the synergies and complementarity between different actions and initiatives in the P/CVE field within prison systems in the region”, explained Pedro das Neves, inviting all interested parties to explore what IPS and project partners are developing through the implementation of the HOPE – Holistic Radicalisation Prevention Initiative.