The VIRTUOUS project is presented as an innovative initiative to strengthen the security of places of worship in Europe. Recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches and persistent terrorist threats, VIRTUOUS proposes a multifaceted approach that fosters collaboration between religious communities, authorities, security forces, and security service providers. Through the use of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the project seeks to identify vulnerabilities and improve the understanding of threats. In addition, VIRTUOUS is committed to raising awareness and preparedness by developing recommendations and conducting training exercises, with the aim of bridging existing gaps and ensuring more effective protection of places of worship throughout Europe.

VIRTUOUS approach relies on multiple activities aiming to: a) increase the understanding of the phenomenon of terrorist attacks against places of worship across Europe, identifying trends and recurrent paths; b) identify the vulnerabilities of such places through the implementation of innovative technologies; c) improve the awareness and preparedness of the stakeholders to tackle this type of threat by means of recommendations, training, and closer cooperation among stakeholders. Aligning with the broader objectives of the call, the VIRTUOUS project strives not only to protect places of worship, but also extends its purview to encompass educational institutions and community gathering spaces associated with religious faiths. By fostering cooperation, communication, interfaith dialogue, and a multi-faith approach, VIRTUOUS seeks to fortify the resilience of diverse religious communities, aligning with EU documents that emphasize collaboration and awareness in the face of evolving security challenges.

The objectives outlined in the VIRTUOUS project closely align with the strategic documents of the European Union, particularly concerning the protection of public spaces, including places of worship. The VIRTUOUS project’s focus on enhancing security measures for places of worship resonates with the EU’s commitment to safeguarding public spaces against terrorist threats, as outlined in documents such as the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda and the EU Security Union Strategy. By prioritizing the physical protection of places of worship and fostering cooperation between faith communities and relevant national authorities, VIRTUOUS directly contributes to the EU’s objectives of ensuring security for all those living in Europe. Additionally, the project’s emphasis on combating hatred in all its forms, as highlighted in the Joint Communication “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred,” aligns with the EU’s efforts to address antisemitism and other forms of hate and promote inclusivity across European societies. Through these aligned objectives, the VIRTUOUS project serves as a vital component of the EU’s broader strategy to protect public spaces and uphold fundamental rights and values.