Category: Projects

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News Projects SHIELDed EN

The Euro-Arab Foundation and the Madrid Municipal Police organise the National SHIELDed Workshop

Fotografía cedida por Policía Municipal de Madrid

On April 27, the National Workshop of the SHIELDed project took place at the Headquarters of the Madrid Municipal Police, during a session jointly organised by the Euro-Arab Foundation and the city’s Municipal Police.

The meeting brought together around 25 participants from law enforcement agencies, mainly the Madrid Municipal Police and the Guardia Civil, religious communities, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, public administrations, and civil society organisations based in Madrid and operating nationwide.

During the session, participants analysed the main risks, vulnerabilities, and challenges related to the protection of places of worship and other religious spaces in Spain. The workshop also served to promote interfaith dialogue, multisectoral cooperation, and the development of coordinated responses to hate crimes and extremist threats.

The program included specialised presentations, participatory working groups, and a solutions lab focused on developing communication protocols and action plans aimed at strengthening prevention, protection, and response capacity in the event of possible incidents.

SHIELDed is a European project focused on the protection of places of worship and religious sites against extremist threats, hate-motivated attacks, and other security risks. The initiative promotes a comprehensive approach based on cooperation between public authorities, law enforcement agencies, religious communities, and civil society, fostering prevention, training, and coordination tools to strengthen the resilience and security of these spaces in Europe.

The SHIELDed national workshops are spaces for collaboration and joint work promoted in different European countries with the aim of bringing together key stakeholders to identify common challenges, share best practices, and design coordinated strategies for the protection of places of worship and the prevention of hate crimes and violent extremism.

Fotografías cedidas por Policía Municipal de Madrid
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data quality en News Projects

DATA EQUALITY: Toward Equality and Efficiency in Justice and Security

On April 29, within the framework of the DATA EQUALITY project, the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies conducted a national exercise in Spain aimed at analysing the practical challenges in implementing European judicial cooperation instruments, with a particular focus on data management and transmission. The activity, held online, consisted of an in-depth interview with two expert profiles—one from the prison administration and one from the police force—focusing on the consequences of information fragmentation in transnational contexts.

The exercise explored how the lack of complete and contextualized data impacts the actions of judicial, police, and prison authorities, as well as decision-making and the protection of fundamental rights. Furthermore, this activity is part of the pilot phase of the project’s newly developed methodology, aimed at validating its applicability in real-world settings.

Challenges and Proposals

Key findings included the existence of critical information gaps (such as the absence of complete prison records, risk indicators, or vulnerability data) as well as operational obstacles stemming from poor translations, a lack of legal equivalence, and limited institutional coordination.

The exercise also gathered proposals to improve cooperation mechanisms, including:

  • Strengthening system interoperability.
  • Developing standardised protocols for information exchange.
  • The need for specialised training for the professionals involved.

These results provide relevant empirical evidence for developing more inclusive and effective methodologies for data management within European judicial cooperation.

Through this activity, the Euro-Arab Foundation has helped identify key challenges related to the quality, interoperability, and transmission of data between Member States, highlighting a significant gap between the regulatory design of European instruments and their practical application.

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News victory

Second Training Session of the VicTory project on Preventing Secondary Victimisation

The researcher from the Euro-Arab Foundation, Rascha Albaba Acosta, took part from April 21 to 23 in the second in-person training session of the VicTory project, held in Budapest and hosted by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee.

Over three working days, around 30 participants from various European countries (Italy, Spain, Finland, Hungary, and Portugal) came together to address strategies aimed at preventing secondary victimisation in cases of hate crimes and violent extremism within the criminal justice process. The meeting brought together professionals who work directly with victims, both from public administrations and NGOs, as well as representatives of law enforcement agencies.

Rascha Albaba, researcher at the Euro-Arab Foundation, during her presentation.

The sessions focused on key aspects such as the traumatic and psychosocial impact on victims, emotional support and mental health, and the importance of effective and inclusive communication. In this regard, the need to promote victim-centered communication—clear, accessible, empathetic, and tailored to their needs—was emphasized. Likewise, the fundamental role of trust and active listening in professional intervention was highlighted, especially in complex contexts such as hate crimes and extremism.

Another main focus was mental well-being, not only of victims but also of the professionals who support them, underscoring the importance of making this approach a priority in support services.

This meeting constitutes the second of three training sessions planned by the VicTory project, of which the Euro-Arab Foundation is a member. The project aims to strengthen the capacities of key professionals working with victims. The next session will take place in Finland, where the potential of restorative practices will be explored.

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News victory

Inclusive Digital Repository by VicTory to Centralise Knowledge on Support for Victims of Hate Crimes and Extremism

The consortium of the European project VicTory, coordinated by the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Granada, has launched its Information Repository (information-repository.victoryproject.eu) on its website to support victims of hate crimes and extremism. This digital platform was created with the mission of becoming a leading resource library in Europe for the protection and support of victims of violent extremism and hate crimes.

The repository is a key infrastructure for facilitating victims’ rapid access to specialized contact points and support services, as well as ensuring that the knowledge generated during the project is easily accessible to legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, academics, and third-sector organizations across Europe. The platform has been designed to provide a smooth user experience, allowing users to filter information by country, types of crime, and professional profiles.

Among the core contents of this repository are an up-to-date compilation of legal frameworks and case law on victims’ rights at both European and national levels, as well as best-practice guides featuring examples of successful interventions in restorative justice and psychosocial support. The platform also provides direct access to specialized training materials, including the technical manual Manual of Best Practices and Promising Practices (in English) and informational flyers specifically designed to guide the work of justice professionals and social sector workers.

The VicTory project, funded by the European Commission’s Justice Programme, recognizes that mitigating violent extremism necessarily requires proper support for its victims. The repository not only documents the past, but also offers tools for prevention and awareness-raising to help avoid the escalation of violence and to protect social cohesion in vulnerable communities.

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News Projects SHIELDed EN

Women from Diverse Faiths advocate Feminism as a Transformative Axis of Belief at the Euro-Arab Foundation

The Euro-Arab Foundation in Granada held, on March 17, the participatory roundtable “Faith and Feminism: Interreligious Dialogues among Women.” The event, organized by the Euro-Arab’s Chair of Gender Studies under the SHIELDed project, brought together nine experts and leading figures from various spiritual traditions to discuss identity, power, and women’s resistance within spaces of faith.

Introduced by Euro-Arab researcher Rascha Albaba Acosta and moderated by the institution’s project coordinator, José Luis Salido, the event was structured around three cross-cutting themes: intergenerational dialogue, feminist reinterpretations of religion, and the building of alliances in the public sphere.

The right to spirituality and autonomy

During the session, the speakers agreed that faith and feminism are not only compatible, but that their union is a tool for empowerment. Shankari Shaktini, a lecturer in Vedic philosophy, was unequivocal: “Spirituality is mine; if I want to belong to another religion, it is my freedom as an individual,” also denouncing how institutionalized dogma has historically stigmatized the feminine.

For her part, young Christian activist Valentina Pérez Cerezo (Mag+s and Women’s Revolt in the Church) highlighted the internal diversity of Catholicism and the struggle to overcome the “secondary role” to which women are relegated: “We are still Christian and feminist.”

Re-reading texts to reclaim dignity

One of the central points of the debate was the distinction between the original spiritual message and later patriarchal interpretations. Zoraida Alí Morell, a graduate in Philosophy, recalled that “the first believers were women” and that sacred texts, in their essence, dignify the female figure. In this vein, Paloma Medina and Rowan Aly emphasized that the problem lies not in the texts themselves, but in biased readings that reinforce male power structures.

From the perspective of Islam in Europe, lawyer Omayma Boughlala offered a critical reflection on the paternalism of certain sectors of Western feminism: “There are feminists who do not include me because they think I have no voice. How can I participate if it is assumed that I need to be ‘liberated’?”—thus asserting the autonomy of Muslim women to decide on their own symbols and practices.

Education against extremism

The event concluded with a call for religious literacy as an antidote to hatred and exclusion. Susana Lorente, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated that “knowledge is freedom” and proposed integrating religious diversity into educational curricula. Lola Parras Chica (Tibetan Buddhism) and Medha Tyagi (Vedic tradition) stressed the need to unlearn patriarchal models and restore women’s central role in the transmission of values.

The meeting closed with a shared commitment: the need for women not only to practice their faith, but to become its interpreters and creators of inclusive spaces, transforming religion into a tool for social justice. Read the full post on our blog dedicated to this event.

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News Projects VANGUARD

Strengthening the Fight Against Online Trafficking Through Specialised Training for Law Enforcement in Romania

On 4 March, researcher Karen Hough from the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies delivered a specialised training session for police and border control officers in Romania, focusing on the growing risks of human trafficking in digital environments. This initiative was directly informed by the research results of the VANGUARD project, which analyses how exploitation is increasingly shifting into online spaces.

The training aimed to equip frontline professionals with advanced knowledge and practical tools to identify, prevent, and disrupt trafficking activities at their earliest stages. Drawing on evidence generated by VANGUARD, the session addressed key risk factors, vulnerability indicators, and emerging strategies used by criminal networks, such as online grooming, misuse of digital platforms, and concealment techniques. It also emphasised the practical application of this knowledge, translating project findings into operational solutions to strengthen detection capabilities, improve victim protection, and enhance cross-border cooperation between agencies.

The Fundación Euroárabe de Altos Estudios is actively involved in the European Horizon Europe VANGUARD project, an international initiative aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking through advanced technological solutions, specialised training, and collaboration between key stakeholders. The project brings together a broad consortium of European research institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations, and focuses on improving the detection, investigation, and prevention of trafficking, particularly in its online and cross-border dimensions, through the development of artificial intelligence and data analysis tools.

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News Projects VANGUARD

Strengthening the Fight against Online Trafficking through Specialised Training for Law Enforcement in Romania

On March 4, Karen Hough, a researcher at the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, delivered specialised training for police and border control officers in Romania, focusing on the growing risks of human trafficking in digital environments. This initiative was directly supported by the research findings of the VANGUARD project, which examines how exploitation is increasingly shifting toward online spaces.

The training aimed to equip frontline professionals with advanced knowledge and practical tools to identify, prevent, and dismantle trafficking activities in their early stages. Based on evidence generated by VANGUARD, the session addressed risk factors, indicators of vulnerability, and new strategies used by criminal networks, such as digital grooming, the misuse of online platforms, and concealment techniques. In addition, the session emphasised the practical application of this knowledge, transforming the project’s findings into operational solutions that strengthen detection capabilities, improve victim protection, and promote cross-border cooperation among agencies.

The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies is actively involved in the European Horizon Europe VANGUARD project, an international initiative aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking through advanced technological solutions, specialised training, and cooperation among key stakeholders. The project brings together a broad consortium of European research institutions, law enforcement agencies, and social organizations, and focuses on improving the detection, investigation, and prevention of trafficking (particularly in its online and cross-border dimensions) through the development of tools based on artificial intelligence and data analysis.

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EUKH EN News Projects RADICALIZACION EN

New Yearbook on Jihadist Terrorism: A Key Analysis of the Global Threat’s Evolution

On February 27, the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies participated in the presentation of the Jihadist Terrorism Yearbook 2025, a benchmark publication edited by the International Observatory for Studies on Terrorism (OIET). This edition once again features the contribution of Daniel F. Pérez, researcher and project coordinator at the Euro-Arab Foundation.

The report, which consolidates monitoring data from the past year, reveals a significant transformation in radicalization dynamics and a shift in violence hotspots—with a particular impact on the African continent and the persistent threat within digital environments.

In this edition, Daniel F. Pérez-García provides a fundamental academic and strategic perspective, examining the complex relationship between Jihadism and the Far Right. The core of Pérez-García’s contribution focuses on the phenomenon of “reciprocal radicalisation,” where both extremisms operate as “rhetorical allies” that feed into each other in a vicious cycle of hatred. According to the researcher, although their ultimate goals are antagonistic, these movements converge through a shared architecture of nostalgia, existential threats, and utopias of purity.

The study highlights a concerning “mirror effect”:

  • Supremacist racism is instrumentalised by Jihadism to denounce an alleged crusade against Islam.
  • Radical Islamist rhetoric is used by the Far Right to justify a threat to national identity.

Ultimately, both ideologies target democratic institutions and social pluralism.

From Reaction to Resilience

As a response to this challenge, Pérez-García advocates for a transition from the current “culture of reaction” toward a “culture of resilience” based on strategic communication. He proposes an operational roadmap utilizing advanced tools, such as Artificial Intelligence for early detection and the creation of hyper-personalized counter-narratives.

“The goal is to connect emotionally with younger audiences in the digital environment before a cognitive fixation on extremist discourses occurs, thereby strengthening social cohesion against the polarization that defines the current geopolitical landscape,” states the Euro-Arab researcher.

Yearbook Links:

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EN Hatedemics News Projects

The Euro-Arab Foundation takes part in the HATEDEMICS Conference “Internet in 2026: Disinformation, Polarisation and Hate”

Last Thursday, February 19, the conference “Internet in 2026: Disinformation, Polarisation and Hate” took place at the Palacio de la Prensa in Madrid. The event, held within the framework of the European project HATEDEMICS, was organized by Maldita.es (MALDITA), the Centro de Estudios Andaluces (CENTRA), and the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies.

The conference brought together journalists, academics, analysts, and representatives of civil society organisations with the aim of reflecting on the current state of the Internet, (mis)information processes, and the rise of hate speech in the digital environment.

The event was opened by representatives of the three partner organisations involved in the project. Speakers included Clara Jiménez, co-founder of the Maldita.es Foundation; Eladia Illescas, researcher at CENTRA; and José Luis Salido, researcher and project coordinator at the Euro-Arab Foundation.

During his speech, José Luis Salido stressed the need to promote initiatives such as HATEDEMICS, which aim to curb the proliferation of online hate speech through the use of technological tools, applied research, and civic education. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among specialised organizations as an essential way to strengthen digital resilience and safeguard democratic quality in the face of polarization and disinformation.

Analysis and Proposals to Address Online Hate

The first panel of the conference addressed the challenges and possible solutions to online hate speech. The panel featured Mario Lara Delgado, Head of Section at the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE); Ángeles Blanco, Board Member for Cooperation and Hate Crimes at FELGTBI+; and Cristina de la Serna Sandoval, Director of the Department of Equality and Anti-Discrimination at the Fundación Secretariado Gitano. The session was moderated by F. Javier Montilla, representing the Euro-Arab Foundation.

Key issues discussed during the debate included the relationship between hate speech and hate crimes, the causes behind the increase of such discourse in digital environments, the consequences of discrimination both for those who experience it and for society as a whole, and the measures needed to combat this phenomenon. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of existing legislation, its proper enforcement, and the fundamental role of prevention and education.

Project Presentation and Practical Training

The remainder of the conference included a presentation of the HATEDEMICS project by CENTRA, as well as several roundtables featuring journalists who shared their experiences in tackling online disinformation and polarisation. The challenges of accessing high-quality information in today’s digital ecosystem were also discussed.

The event concluded with a workshop presenting the platform and educational materials developed within the framework of the project. The aim was to provide practical tools for identifying hoaxes and fake news, recognising content generated by artificial intelligence, and understanding the cognitive biases that influence information consumption.

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News Projects victory

VicTory: First Exchange Event to Combat Hate and Extremism in Europe

The European project VicTory has successfully concluded its first Experience and Exchange Training Event, held from February 10th to 12th, 2026. Over three intensive days, professionals from five partner countries gathered to comprehensively address the worrying rise in intolerance and its impact on victimization.

The meeting brought together a multidisciplinary group composed of victim support professionals—specifically those working with victims of hate crimes—judicial authorities, and civil society prevention experts.

Support for Victims of Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism with a Rights-Based Perspective

Throughout the three-day program, participants discussed comprehensive strategies to support victims of hate crimes and violent extremism, highlighting the importance of a person-centered approach oriented toward restorative justice.

In a joint session led by Rascha Albaba, a researcher from the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, and the Ararteko (Ombudsman of the Basque Country), it was emphasized that victims should not be reduced solely to their status as victims: they are human beings with fundamental rights, and all support services must guarantee their dignity and safety.

The sessions emphasized the implementation of a human rights-based approach, explaining how victims’ rights are protected under international frameworks and within the European Union. Professionals were provided with existing mechanisms through which they can indirectly reinforce this protection at an international level. Additionally, practical “dos and don’ts” guidelines for victim care were provided to avoid causing further harm (secondary victimization) during the reporting and recovery processes.

The Ararteko delved into the role of key institutions in protecting victims’ rights, presenting concrete examples of restorative justice that balance the reparation of harm with the safety and well-being of those affected.

Theory and Practice in Action

The sessions combined theory and practice, including a site visit to the Rete di Dafne project in Palazzolo. There, participants observed how community networks transform vulnerability into strength by providing support, validation, and security to victims. This holistic approach demonstrated how collaboration between professionals and communities can significantly improve the protection and accompaniment of victims of hate crimes and extremist violence. The event was characterized by its human focus, allowing participants to hear real testimonies from both victims of extremism and individuals who had caused harm.

Next Steps for the VicTory Project

VicTory is an international initiative that seeks to improve responses to hate and extremism through cooperation between judicial, law enforcement, and victim support actors. With an approach based on the victim and restorative justice, it promotes a safer and more resilient Europe.

This event in Brescia marks the beginning of a series of three exchange meetings planned within the project. The participation of the Euro-Arab Foundation in these forums reinforces its position as a leader in applied research and training regarding the prevention of extremist violence and the protection of human rights—even for the most vulnerable—proving that in the face of transnational challenges, the solution must be shared and coordinated.