The panel brought together researchers and practitioners from different European countries to analyse the current threat environment affecting places of worship and religious communities, which are increasingly exposed to acts of extremism, hate crime and ideologically motivated violence. In this context, religious spaces were addressed as critical infrastructure requiring greater attention in terms of security and resilience.
The Euro-Arab Foundation was represented by José Luis Salido, researcher and project coordinator who highlighted the importance of comprehensive prevention approaches based not only on physical security measures, but also on soft security strategies, community engagement, and improved communication channels between religious communities, local authorities and security actors.
During his presentation, Salido analysed the current global threat landscape and presented the results of a study based on the analysis of 25 hate crime case studies across 13 European countries, highlighting that places of worship and related spaces have become critical targets. Salido delved into the ideological and strategic characteristics of the extremist groups perpetrating these attacks, warning that the transition from hate speech to physical aggression is a growing concern that demands a coordinated response between local authorities, national governments, and European Union institutions
The participation of the Euro-Arab Foundation in this panel reinforces its commitment to applied research, intercultural dialogue and the prevention of violent extremism, in line with its work on European projects focused on social cohesion and democratic security.
The panel was held within the framework of the European project PARTESS-COM, an initiative funded by the European Commission in which the Euro-Arab Foundation is a partner. The project aims to improve the protection of places of worship and religious communities against terrorist and extremist threats by fostering cooperation, communication and trust among religious actors, public authorities and security forces. It promotes preventive and participatory approaches, as well as the development of practical tools and recommendations to strengthen security without compromising fundamental rights or social cohesion.
The session was attended by more than 40 representatives from politics, civil society, and law enforcement agencies, hailing from 28 different organizations across 10 EU Member States. The event also featured researchers from the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, whose work is specifically focused on the analysis and fight against hate speech within the framework of various European projects in which the Foundation participates.
The final session will take place in Belgium, from November 26 to 27, 2025.
About the EOOH
The European Observatory of Online Hate (EOOH) is a project supported by the European Commission dedicated to combating illegal hate speech and disinformation in the digital environment, aiming to promote a safer online space aligned with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Its strategy is based on a triple approach: Identification (using advanced AI technology to detect harmful content in multiple languages), Analysis (investigating the nature and trends of online hate), and Action (collaborating with law enforcement and civil society to report and address this content, strengthening cooperation and training key actors in the fight against hate narratives such as antisemitism, Islamophobia, and LGTBphobia)
The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies has collaborated in the organisation of a key training session for the University Master’s Degree in Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism at the Civil Guard University Centre. Titled “Interreligious Dialogue Panel: Coexistence, Security, and Cooperation,” the session was dedicated to delving into interreligious dialogue and the challenges of democratic coexistence in a context of growing diversity in Spain.
The session, driven by theIslamic Commission of Spain (CIE) with the collaboration of the Euro-Arab Foundation, was held in person at the headquarters of the Civil Guard Orphans Association (APHGC) and is positioned as a strategic high-level space for the exchange of ideas among actors with public decision-making capacity.
A Strategic Forum for Security and Coexistence
The meeting was aimed at the Master’s students, a multidisciplinary profile that includes high-ranking Civil Guard officials, as well as professionals from the judiciary, ministries, security agencies, and penitentiary institutions. The participation of the Euro-Arab Foundation in this forum underscores its experience and institutional relevance in training management personnel on sensitive issues such as diversity management, the fight against extremism, and the promotion of social peace.
The roundtable panel featured the presence of prominent religious denominations in Spain, such as the Spanish Episcopal Conference, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain, and the Islamic Commission of Spain (CIE).
Reflections on Social Cohesion and Diversity
The Islamic Commission of Spain (CIE) was represented by Hicham Oulad Mhammed, a CIE member and expert in interreligious dialogue. During his intervention, he highlighted the need to address the growing social polarisation and the negative impact of hoaxes and narratives that seek the “foreignisation” (“extranjerización”) of Muslim communities in Spain, denying their deep historical roots.
Other key points of his presentation included:
The promotion of the positive visibility of Muslims and the importance of Islamic thought being expressed in the Spanish language, while acknowledging the new challenges this generates in the face of intolerance.
The recognition of the Spanish legal framework on religious freedom (Law 26/1992) as one of the most advanced, along with the need to improve its practical implementation at the local level.
Hicham Oulad Mhammed stressed that “social cohesion is not built by denying difference, but by integrating it within a framework of mutual respect and real equality,” appealing to the active role of institutions in defending constitutional values.
The Euro-Arab Foundation’s collaboration in the organisation of this event reaffirms its institutional commitment to inter-sectoral cooperation and civic education. By facilitating these high-impact meetings, it directly contributes to the strengthening of interreligious dialogue as an essential tool for democratic coexistence and the prevention of discourses that erode social peace among the State Security Forces and Corps and other key public institutions.
The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies reinforced its commitment to the fight against racism and discrimination by actively participating in the VII National Congress “Dismantling Islamophobia,” held on October 21 and 22 at the Faculty of Education of the University of Málaga.
The Congress, organized by the Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants, brought together experts, academics, and activists to analyze the complex manifestations of Islamophobia in Spain and Europe, and to propose effective strategies for its eradication.
The Euro-Arab Foundation’s participation, part of the activities of its Research and Projects Department, featured the double intervention of its experts, Rascha Albaba and Lucía G. del Moral.
Institutional Training as a Prevention Tool
The Euro-Arab researcher, Rascha Albaba, during her intervention.
The Euro-Arab Foundation researcher, Rascha Albaba, presented her paper titled “Institutional training: preventing Islamophobia from within”, highlighting the essential work of the Euro-Arab Foundation in providing specialized training aimed at various key actors:
Security Forces and Bodies: for a better understanding and management of diversity.
Civil Society and Experts: to strengthen their intervention capabilities.
Institutional Actors: at the state and European level.
This training addresses crucial topics such as Islamophobia, interreligious dialogue, intercultural coexistence, and human rights.
Albaba emphasized both the activities developed within the framework of European projects and the Foundation’s own initiatives, stressing the accumulated experience of its experts and the solid institutional connections of the Euro-Arab Foundation.
Furthermore, the expert underlined the importance of human rights mechanisms as fundamental vehicles for transferring Spain’s situation regarding Islamophobia to the international sphere, using political and international dialogue as a crucial method for prevention.
The Euro-Arab researcher, Lucía G. del Moral, during her presentation.
For her part, Lucía García del Moral participated in the panel dedicated to analyzing institutional Islamophobia, with a paper titled “From Theory to Practice: European projects that transform the institutional response to Islamophobia.”
The participation of the Euro-Arab Foundation in this important national forum reaffirms its commitment to promoting the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights, and its active role in the fight against all forms of discrimination.
Young people, teachers, and educators will gather next Thursday, October 23, at the Museum of Andalusian Autonomy in Coria del Río to participate in the pilot test of the HATEDEMICS project. This initiative, in which the Euro-Arab Foundation is involved, aims to develop tools to combat hate speech.
A Two-Session Day
The initiative will take place over the course of a day divided into two training sessions.
In the morning, from 10:00 to 13:00, the activity will be aimed at a young audience.
In the afternoon, from 16:30 to 19:30, the session will be specifically geared toward teachers and educators.
The event will offer attendees the opportunity to learn first-hand about the tools being developed to identify and confront hate speech in various contexts. This pilot is a key step in the implementation of the project, and its results will help refine the strategy and materials ahead of the official launch.
The Museum of Andalusian Autonomy, an emblematic site for Andalusian history and culture, thus becomes the setting for this important educational and social initiative, highlighting the importance of education and dialogue in the fight against hate.
On June 12nd, Murcia hosted the International Conference Against Underreporting of Discrimination and Hate Crimes. Organized by Columbares, this conference was a crucial event for addressing the concerning reality of low reporting rates in cases of discrimination and hate crimes.
The event’s opening featured Rosa Cano, director of Columbares, who emphasized the urgency of combating intolerance in light of the worrying underreporting data. Also present were Ana Vanesa Valero García (Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at the University of Murcia), Leopoldo Olmo Fernández-Delgado (Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Policy, Families, and Equality for the Region of Murcia), and Pilar Torres (Councillor for Social Welfare, Family, and Health for the City of Murcia). The Director-General for Family Diversity and Social Services of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030, Patricia Bezunartea Barrio, participated remotely.
One of the standout presentations at the conference was given by José Luis Salido Medina, a researcher at the Euro-Arab Foundation, titled “The Violent Face of Misogyny: Manosphere and Incel Communities.”
During his presentation, the researcher delved into the incel movement, exploring its origin and context within the ecosystem of misogynistic movements and the so-called “manosphere.” The talk critically addressed the intrinsic relationship between hatred and violence, examining the common elements that underlie both and how these manifest specifically in the case of incel communities. Finally, Salido offered a concise reflection on a prevention paradigm specifically applicable to addressing misogynistic movements and the incel phenomenon, highlighting the importance of proactive strategies to combat these violent ideologies.
The conference also served as the platform for the presentation of the book “Breaking the Silence.” The result of research by Columbares, the book compiles testimonies from victims of hate crimes in various contexts (public spaces, social media, homes) and addresses topics such as LGTBIfobia, aporophobia, and racism. These accounts offer deep insights into the victims’ experiences, their reporting processes, and the consequences on their daily lives.
Last week, the Euro-Arab Foundation participated in the kick-off meeting of a new 3-year project, SHIELDed, aimed at protecting places of worship, schools and religious communities in Europe.
The kick-off meeting brought together the project’s 17 partner organisations from 10 European countries and marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to address the growing vulnerabilities and challenges facing communities across Europe. By promoting cross-sectoral collaboration, strengthening the capacity of soft targets (such as schools and religious institutions and sites), inter-religious dialogue, tolerance, democratic and civic literacy, and critical thinking, the SHIELDed project seeks to foster a shared culture of safety, dialogue and mutual respect for all.
The Euro-Arab Foundation was represented at the SHIELDed launch event by its researcher Rascha Albaba Acosta.
In this project, the Euro-Arab Foundation will lead the coordination and implementation of the third work package, which focuses on establishing a baseline understanding of the needs, threats and vulnerabilities of soft targets, including local and organisational specificities, as well as the development of accurate and innovative materials and mechanisms to enable rapid, effective and comprehensive multi-level threat assessment and response options.
About SHIELDed
Funded by ISF (Homeland Security Fund), SHIELDed aims to respond to the global rise of disinformation, hatred and resulting violence directed at soft targets such as schools and places of worship. The project aims to work towards the protection of these symbolic places and their communities by building on the EU Action Plan to Support the Protection of Public Spaces and promoting cooperation between public authorities, religious organisations, educational institutions and local communities.
In addition, SHIELDed aims to improve public awareness by working with local communities and their youth. This will be achieved through capacity building, cooperation, awareness raising, preventive and response mechanisms. SHIELDed plays a crucial role in preventing crime and mitigating radicalisation and extremism, through primary and secondary preventive mechanisms. Its focus on improving literacy, tolerance and resilience will be crucial for tertiary prevention, particularly in assisting the (re)integration of people with criminal convictions.
The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies played an active role in the pilot session organised to evaluate the functioning of the HATEDEMICS project platform. This European initiative aims to develop innovative tools for the detection and analysis of hate speech online, as well as for the promotion of alternative narratives.
The test session, held at the Museum of Andalusian Autonomy on Thursday 22 May, was attended by staff from project partners, including the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, through its researcher Lucía G. del Moral; the Maldita Foundation, the Andalusian Studies Centre (organiser of the session), as well as education specialists, journalists and professionals from various NGOs and civil society organisations. Participants were able to interact with the functionalities of the tool, providing valuable comments and suggestions for its optimisation.
The Euro-Arab Foundation’s involvement in this project underlines its commitment to promoting coexistence, respect and the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination. Its participation in the evaluation of the HATEDEMICS platform is an important step in ensuring that this tool is robust and useful in combating hate speech in the digital environment.
The HATEDEMICS project, funded by the European Union, brings together academic institutions, civil society organisations and technology experts from various countries. The platform being developed will enable researchers, practitioners and the general public to better understand the dynamics of hate speech and contribute to its prevention and mitigation.
On April 30, the seminar ‘Spirituality, youth and gender in the 21st century’ was held at the Euro-Arab Foundation. Its main objective was to provide a space for women and young believers of different faiths to share their experience of how they live their spirituality today. The seminar was moderated by Soukaina Belkat and José Luis Salido Medina, researchers at the Euro-Arab Foundation, and was attended by members of Muslim, Catholic, Protestant and Buddhist faiths.
The activity, organised by the Euro-Arab Foundation in the framework of the European project PARTES, addressed a series of guiding questions on gender and current social dynamics. It was divided into two parts, one dedicated to the role of women in the different religions represented and the other to the experience of young people with their faith.
The role of women in religion
The round table ‘The role of women in religion’ was given by Lola Parras Chica, Tibetan Buddhist and former director of the Nagarjuna Buddhist Centre in Granada; Khatarina Zimmerhofer, Catholic and student of Theology; Zoraida Ali Morell, Muslim, philosopher and psychologist; and Eva Domínguez Sosa, pastor of the Protestant church of San Pablo in Granada, Spain, and Eva Domínguez Sosa, pastor of the Protestant church of San Pablo in Granada.
Lola addressed the situation of women in Buddhism, pointing out the persistence of patriarchal patterns in religions. These patterns are manifested in the allocation of gender roles, such as motherhood, the development of which is influenced by the socio-cultural context. Therefore, Lola argued that not all religious precepts should be accepted uncritically. She emphasised the importance of not naturalising maternal roles that deprive women of time for activities such as meditation. She advocated a stance of zero tolerance towards patriarchy, but devoid of hatred. Finally, she stressed that self-knowledge and deep understanding lead to enlightenment in three fundamental areas: ethics, conduct, concentration-meditation and wisdom.
Khatarina emphasised that baptism confers fundamental and equal dignity from birth. She then elaborated on the Ignatian principle of ‘seeing Christ in one’s neighbour’, explaining how this perspective invites us to recognise the inherent worth of each individual, transcending social or gender distinctions. In her analysis of women in the Bible, she highlighted the central figure of the Virgin Mary, whose role is crucial in the Christian narrative. In addition, she referred to the ‘three Teresas’: St. Teresa of Avila, a leading figure of mysticism and reformer of Carmel; the Venerable Servant of God Teresa de Jesús Jornet e Ibars, founder of the Little Sisters of the Disabled Elderly; and St. Teresa of Avila, founder of the Little Sisters of the Disabled; and St. Teresa of Avila, founder of the Little Sisters of the Disabled, founder of the Little Sisters of the Disabled.
Eva addressed critical feminisms and the perspective of intersectionality, pointing out that we live in a social reality deeply marked by patriarchy and with a significant Judeo-Christian heritage. In relation to the role of religion in the configuration of gender roles, she mentioned how historically some religions instructed women in the essential aspects of carrying out their purification rites, as in the case of Muslim practices. In contrast, she highlighted a significant moment in the Christian tradition where Jesus Christ gave a crucial role to Mary Magdalene by making her the first witness of his resurrection, sending her to announce this good news to the other disciples. This act challenged the social norms of the time and elevated one woman’s witness to a foundational position within Christianity.
Youth and religion. Experiences from today
The second round table “Youth and religion. Experiences from the present day” featured presentations by Isairis Valerio Domínguez, a Catholic and theology student, and Brahim Iguizol, a Muslim, sociologist specialising in anthropology and trends in Islamic thought.
Isairis began his intervention at the table on spirituality and young people by emphasising the importance of coherence between personal values and authenticity. She proposed that the daily examination of spiritual conscience, together with the experiences, should be cultivated in a space of recollection.
She underlined that a pluralistic society offers the valuable benefit of reasoned questioning. In this sense, she advocated ‘resuscitating’ those elements that favour individual spiritual freedom. Isairis contrasted polarisation with the need for deep internal dialogue, pointing out the importance of not giving in to hatred and the discourses that promote it, but embracing a freedom that opens us to connection with others. Finally, she stated that intolerance is rooted in fear, but that society must adopt a critical and reflective stance in order to overcome it.
Brahim suggested that returning to a space of recollection could generate a multiplicity of interpretations, thus encouraging a secular modernisation of spiritual understanding. He proposed the need for a contemporary spirituality that transcends traditional religious institutions, allowing individuals to experience the sacred directly and personally. He also highlighted how Islam can be a tool to combat arrogant selfishness, exploitation and abuse of power, promoting active participation in building a more just society. In his conclusion, Brahim emphasised the imperative need for dialogue, based on the humility to learn from others, in order to work together to solve global challenges. This dialogue requires a framework of equality, devoid of power relations and intolerance.He lamented the inadequacy of current trans-religious dialogue, calling for more interfaith learning and cooperation as a way to mitigate growing social polarisation.
PARTES will end next June
In response to the rising tide of attacks and hate crimes targeting places of worship in Europe and globally since 2023, the PARTES project has emerged as a crucial initiative. Mosques, synagogues and churches have become vulnerable targets, a situation that has been exacerbated by the rise of online hate crimes and cyber-attacks, sometimes intertwined with physical campaigns. These acts of violence are a reflection of a deeper extremist problem, fuelled by toxic discourses, a lack of intercultural and inter-religious understanding, and insufficient societal engagement in preventing extremism.
The seminar “Spirituality, youth and gender in the 21st century” represented the culmination of the project’s activities, preceding the closing event to be held in Vienna on 16 June.
A key achievement of PARTES has been the development of the “PARTES Guardian Approach”, a comprehensive prevention model designed to strengthen the security of places of worship across Europe and thus mitigate hate crimes affecting religious communities. The project has focused on key pillars such as the strengthening of cooperation between public authorities and religious communities, the implementation of awareness-raising campaigns, the organisation of specialised trainings and seminars, and the thorough evaluation and exchange of best practices and tools available in this field. A tangible result of this effort is the “Action Sheets” developed by the PARTES consortium, a valuable compilation of effective practices implemented in the European Union to optimise the protection of places of worship.
José Mª G. Riera (FUNDEA) during the kick-off meeting
The launch of VIRTUOUS, a European project financed by the European Fund for Internal Security in which the Euro-Arab Foundation participates as a partner, took place in Limoges (France) on 19 March. During the event, José Mª González Riera, deputy director of the Euro-Arab Foundation’s Research and International Projects Department, outlined the Foundation’s essential role in the project: analysing past terrorist attacks, identifying threat trends, assessing the security of religious sites, and training religious leaders and security experts. In addition, the Foundation will lead the production of microlearning materials for religious communities.
The central objective is to strengthen cooperation and response to threats to places of worship through collaboration between religious communities, authorities and security forces.
Safer and more resilient environments for religious communities
VIRTUOUS proposes an innovative and multi-faceted approach, establishing an unprecedented collaboration between religious communities, authorities, security forces and security service providers. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the project aims to accurately identify vulnerabilities and improve understanding of potential threats. This effort represents a crucial step towards creating a safer and more resilient environment for religious communities in Europe, based on innovation, cooperation and a strong commitment to the values of the European Union.
The VIRTUOUS project is strategically aligned with key EU documents, including the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda and the EU Security Union Strategy. By prioritising the physical protection of places of worship and fostering inter-religious dialogue, VIRTUOUS contributes directly to the EU’s objectives of ensuring security and promoting inclusiveness in European societies. In addition, the project emphasises the fight against hatred in all its forms, in line with the Joint Communication ‘No place for hatred: a Europe united against hate’, reinforcing its role in upholding fundamental rights and values.
Key Objectives:
In-depth understanding: analyse trends and recurring patterns of terrorist attacks against places of worship in Europe.
Identification of vulnerabilities: Use innovative technologies to assess and mitigate risks in these spaces.
Awareness and preparedness: Develop recommendations, training programmes and strengthen cooperation between stakeholders.
Broadening the scope: Extend protection to educational institutions and community gathering spaces associated with religious denominations.
Interfaith dialogue: Foster cooperation, communication and dialogue to strengthen the resilience of religious communities.
