Prevention and the reintegration of radicalised individuals are the two main focuses of the “Guidelines on preventing radicalisation and manifestations of hate at the grassroots level” adopted by the Congress at its 29th session, on 20 October 2015. “In the face of radicalisation and violent extremism, repression alone is not the solution. To combat these phenomena, it is essential to take preventive action. This is the area of action par excellence of local authorities”, highlighted rapporteur Leen Verbeek (Netherlands, SOC). The adopted text calls on European cities and regions to design multi-agency strategies involving local stakeholders. The Congress has also launched an initiative entitled “Towards an alliance of European cities and regions against violent extremism” which will provide a platform for political and technical exchange. The first event under this initiative, which is being conducted jointly with the European Forum for Urban Security (EFUS), will be a conference of local authorities on the prevention of radicalisation leading to violent extremism, hosted by the Mayors of Aarhus and Rotterdam, which will take place in Aarhus, Denmark, on 18 November 2015.
Speech (français) Arnaud Bazin
Interview with Leen VERBEEK (Netherlands, SOC)
Interview with Nikolay ARTEMENKO, youth delegate from Russian Federation
