January 2026 – Research and Projects

Three researchers from the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies actively participated in the first Joint Thematic Panel Meeting of the EU Knowledge Hub (on the Prevention of Radicalisation), held on 21 January at the headquarters of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

This gathering marked the start of a pivotal year for security and PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) in Europe, where the primary focus will evolve from theoretical learning to practical implementation.

Towards a more practical and connected prevention

The hybrid meeting brought together co-leaders, Research Secretariats from the seven Thematic Panels, and Special Advisors of the EUKH. The core objective of the day was to define the strategic guidelines that will provide EU Member States with concrete tools and high-impact orientations to tackle current PCVE challenges.

Key points highlighted during the working sessions included:

Cross-panel synergies: The assembly identified the need to tackle complex issues through a multidisciplinary lens, bridging areas of expertise such as the intersection of online radicalisation and youth.
Knowledge translation: The 2026 strategy will focus on ensuring that conclusions and recommendations do not remain mere reports but are “translated” into effective public policies and practices for practitioners across Europe.
Strategic impact: Thanks to insights from experts and Special Advisors, new communication initiatives have been established to ensure that knowledge directly reaches decision-makers.

Commitment of the Euro-Arab Foundation

The presence of the Euro-Arab Foundation’s researchers—Paula Cano and José Luis Salido (Research Secretariat for Thematic Panel 5: ‘Lone Actors and Mental Health’) and Isabel Pérez (Research Secretariat for Thematic Panel 1: ‘Ideologies and Conspiracy Narratives’)—reinforces the Euro-Arab’srole as an essential bridge between academic research and the social application of prevention policies. Through this participation, the Foundation continues to contribute actively to community resilience and democratic security within the European framework.

Last week, the introductory session of the VicTory project’s online training took place. In the online meeting, the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, as the coordinator of the VicTory project, actively participated in the introductory session of the online training, welcoming participants and presenting the comprehensive victim-centered and restorative justice approach that characterizes the project. During the session, the purpose and scope of the training were explained, combining an online course with in-person exchange events, and the importance of the work of professionals who provide justice and empowerment to victims every day was emphasised.

The session also offered participants the opportunity to get to know each other better and begin building networks of collaboration among professionals from different European countries, fostering constructive and enriching exchanges. It was highlighted that criminal justice and victim support go beyond legal and institutional procedures, and that training professionals working in this field is essential to ensure effective and humane assistance.

The Digital Dimension of Harm and Training for Victim Support Professionals

For many people affected by hate crimes or extremism, the harm does not end with the incident itself. This is particularly evident in digital environments, where the ongoing circulation of images, narratives, comments, or threats can prolong suffering, increasing distress and uncertainty beyond the original event. However, despite the growing prevalence of this reality, victims often face these digital aftereffects with limited information and uneven support. Professionals may lack up-to-date knowledge about online risks, particularly regarding the interaction of generative artificial intelligence and algorithmic biases, while digital platforms face challenges in moderating “gray” content and removing it effectively.

Despite these challenges, victim support professionals consulted within the VicTory project emphasize that the digital world can also offer opportunities to improve victim safety, recovery, and reporting, helping to reduce secondary harm. Therefore, the VicTory project highlights the need for clearer professional practices and greater institutional awareness that recognizes the digital dimension of harm, ensuring that information, support, and protective measures are available both in-person and online. This is one of the topics covered in our online training course.

Registration and participation in the online training remain open. This training is aimed at professionals working in the field of support for victims of hate crimes and violent extremism in Europe and is available in Spanish, English, and other languages. Interested individuals can register and obtain more information through the following link: https://lnkd.in/dFysTwaS