At the margins of the 2026 United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, the Council of Europe organised a side event on “National and regional counter-terrorism strategies; Insights and Practical Lessons Learned, Including through Strengthening Prevention and PCVE” jointly with Finland, Turkmenistan UNCTED, OSCE, and UNOCT. The event took place on 29 June 2026, bringing together high-level policy makers who discussed good practices and lessons learned in development and roll-out of counter-terrorism strategies globally.
The discussion focused on practical lessons from developing, implementing and reviewing comprehensive counter-terrorism and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) strategies. Participants highlighted the importance of inclusive policymaking, effective coordination across institutions, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to addressing evolving terrorist threats.
Effective counter-terrorism strategies require more than strong security responses, they depend on prevention, partnership and respect for human rights, was the key takeaway from the joint side event. In his remarks, Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and the Rule of Law stressed that:
Effective counter-terrorism requires the engagement of society as a whole to build resilience against radicalisation and violence, while remaining firmly rooted in human rights, democratic values and the rule of law. He emphasised that law enforcement measures must be complemented by prevention, education, disengagement initiatives and support for victims. As terrorist threats continue to evolve, Esposito also underlined the need for strategies that are regularly reviewed and adapted to emerging challenges, drawing on expertise from diverse fields and strengthened cooperation with international partners.
The Council of Europe also intervened in Session I of the High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member State highlighting its work on development of standards that promote full accountability for acts committed by terrorists during armed conflict, whether they be terrorist offences, violations of international humanitarian law, or other core international crimes.
For more than 40 years, the Council of Europe has supported its member States in strengthening legal frameworks and international cooperation to combat terrorism while safeguarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Through its legal instruments, the work of the Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), its Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and close cooperation with international partners in support of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, it continues to help States translate international standards into effective national policies and coordinated action.
Watch the recording of the event via National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies: Insights and Practical Lessons Learned, Including through Strengthening Prevention and PCVE (Counter-Terrorism Week Side Event) | UN Web TV