Radicalisation and violent extremism prevention in the community

R2COM was designed to address an urgent security threat in several EU countries: the risk posed by individuals recently released from prison, whether radicalized, vulnerable, or at risk of reoffending, as well as VETOs. These profiles pose a significant challenge to public safety, as demonstrated by the Vienna (2020) and London (2019) attacks, highlighting the need for a coordinated and tailored response (Europol, 2020). The project identified critical gaps: lack of structured post-release follow-up, limited NGO involvement in P/CVE initiatives, and deficits in skills, methodologies, and tools for professionals. Furthermore, government-managed exit programs often suffered from participants’ lack of trust, reducing their effectiveness (Christensen, 2020). To address these issues, R2COM proposed an inclusive approach, increasing NGO participation, enhancing their capacities through specialized training, and creating tailored tools for effective community-based monitoring. This strategy aimed to improve public safety and foster successful reintegration by strengthening engagement with exit programs.

R2COM aimed to bridge critical gaps in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) by strengthening the role of NGOs. Its primary goal was to enhance the knowledge, skills, tools, and practical guidelines for professionals working with recently released, radicalized, or vulnerable individuals, including VETOs, within a community-based framework. The project developed innovative training programs, including a blended learning course and a Training of Trainers (ToT) program, to address expertise gaps. It also adapted the FBOG risk assessment tool and created a practical manual to support professionals in managing at-risk individuals, tailored to local and cultural contexts. By fostering collaboration between NGOs and stakeholders at all levels, R2COM promoted best practices and coordinated approaches. Through enhanced NGO capacity and improved post-release monitoring, the project sought to boost community safety, reduce reoffending risks, and support sustainable reintegration for at-risk individuals.

R2COM carried out activities to strengthen NGO and CSO capacities in preventing and countering violent extremism. It began with a detailed analysis of their roles, a literature review, and mapping of best practices across Europe, followed by a needs assessment using surveys, focus groups, and expert panels. To enhance collaboration, R2COM established a European NGO network, supported by a centralized database and an online platform to share information and best practices. Innovative educational approaches included adapting FBOG risk assessment guidelines and creating a hybrid training program combining online and in-person sessions. Three intensive face-to-face training sessions further improved practical skills in P/CVE. Dissemination efforts featured multiplier events, a final stakeholder conference, and visibility tools like a dedicated website and LinkedIn page. A practical manual was developed, validated in national workshops, and widely shared to ensure sustainability and long-term impact of the project’s actions.

The R2COM project delivered concrete results through a structured methodology. PR1 involved analyzing the role of NGOs in P/CVE through a literature review and mapping best practices across Europe while identifying key gaps. PR2 established a European database of NGOs and an online platform for sharing experiences and networking. In PR3, practitioners’ needs were assessed via surveys, focus groups, and expert panels, informing PR4, which adapted the FBOG risk assessment tool with specific fiches and a pilot test. To address these needs, PR5 developed tailored training, including a blended learning course, a Training of Trainers module, and three intensive in-person sessions in France, Italy, and Sweden. PR6 produced a practical manual, "Could HE/SHE Be an Extremist? What to Do, When, and How?", validated in workshops and providing tools for professionals. Dissemination included multiplier events, a website, and a LinkedIn campaign, ensuring the project's lasting impact.