The importance of cohesive and collaborative approach of the different donor initiatives in the Western Balkans (WB) region in the field of prevention and countering of violent extremism (P/CVE) has been just one among many conclusions of the closing conference of Holistic Radicalisation Prevention Initiative (HOPE) project, that brought together more than 50 practitioners from the region active in the field of P/CVE.

Council of Europe representatives have used this opportunity to present and inform about the achievements and  progress made in the implementation of the regional action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”. They contributed to the discussion on sustainability of results achieved not only through Council of Europe led initiatives but also through other donor initiatives. The Council’s representatives underlined the importance of continuous coordination and cooperation between these initiatives for efficiency, effectiveness and long-term impact as well as in for empowerment of Beneficiaries and different stakeholders to address the issue of management, rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist prisoners in a sustainable and effective manner.

The event took place on 29 November 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, organised by HOPE project with the support of the Council of Europe regional action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”, co-funded by the EU and Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe under the third phase of Horizontal Facility program.