Europe has been facing an increasingly dynamic and complex extremist landscape in recent years, which not only leads to violent and deadly terrorist attacks but also aims at undermining and polarising our democratic societies and fundamental rights. Extremist actors may use many tactics to achieve their objectives, including disinformation campaigns and the influence of political Islamist networks.
The Thematic Panel on Local Dimension, Polarisation and Resilience explores the changing landscape of both violent and non-violent extremisms that contribute to polarisation in society at the local level. This includes the influence of extremist Islamic movements, right-wing extremism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and other ideologies, with a focus on their online manifestations as well as how they affect young people and minors.
The aim of this panel is to better understand this changing landscape, the strategies, and the various actors involved. It supports Member States in developing effective policies and tailored practices, while also aiming to strengthen the capacity of local actors in improving their skills and capacities in an environment marked by an increasing polarisation and distrust in public authorities.
A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach, collaboration, and coordination at the local, regional, and national levels are crucial for effective prevention strategies and approaches.
The panel will focus on the following key aspects:
- Understanding the landscape of multiform extremism and its specific impact on local communities
- Exploring the causes of extremism, its consequences on communities and more specifically minors, and the responses and protective factors that can help mitigate its impact.
- Discussing the phenomenon of radicalisation of minors examining its diverse trajectories, identifying tools and approaches for early identification and intervention at local level.
- Analysing the role of propaganda, disinformation and foreign influence in increasing polarisation and influencing community resilience
- Exploring strategies to enhance community resilience to counter disinformation and extremism at the local level, including the use of strategic communications and by ensuring evaluation is imbedded in the entire designing process.