How are extremists exploiting gaming platforms to spread hate? The RadiGaMe project investigates radical content on gaming forums, revealing disturbing trends and unexpected risks. This research highlights the urgent need for tailored prevention strategies and the potential of gaming spaces for positive, counter-extremist engagement.

Radicalisation is evolving in today’s cyber-social ecosystem. AI-driven disinformation, meme warfare, and digital pseudo-cults are reshaping extremist threats. Strategic and ethical communication, grounded in cognitive and technological awareness, is essential to building resilience and countering polarising narratives in an era of post-truth and hybrid threats.

The article expands on the polarisation generated by October 7, 2023, as well as the war in Gaza that followed, by focusing on actors fuelling radicalisation in the EU, namely jihadist groups (ISIS and al-Qaeda), organisations in the radical political Islamist sphere, influencers. It will also focus on how pro-Hamas narratives have somewhat been normalised in some online ecosystems. It will end by recalling various attempts by foreign countries to exacerbate the existing polarisation in the EU by carrying out interference operations.

Radicalisation is affecting minors at alarming rates across Europe and beyond. With adolescents increasingly targeted online, new data reveals a disturbing rise in youth involvement in violent extremism. This trend calls for urgent research to understand risk factors and craft informed, youth-focused prevention strategies.

The EU Knowledge Hub is preparing for the Town Hall meeting on 14 May 2025 in Brussels, where participants from all EU Member States will help to shape the EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism. The event will include expert-led break-out group discussions to contribute to the EU Agenda, which will in turn shape the Knowledge Hub’s work in the years to come.

The EU Knowledge Hub has launched its Thematic Panels with a series of engaging meetings in Brussels. Bringing together selected experts, the panels’ mandate, is running until mid 2026, supporting EU efforts in radicalisation prevention through collaborative dialogue, expert input, and actionable recommendations.

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The 21st EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism in Strasbourg brought together survivors, families, and leaders to honour those affected by terrorism. Featuring heartfelt testimonies and key speeches from high-level officials, the event highlighted the importance of remembrance and unity in the fight against terrorism. Watch the full video here.

To mark the EU Day of Remembrance (11 March), the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism published a new Guidance Document on the Needs of Victims, reinforcing a victim-centred approach in counter-terrorism efforts. The guidance aims to turn legal rights into real, needs-based support across the EU, before and after an attack. It addresses five key needs: recognition, information, justice, protection, and compensation, organised across three phases: preparedness, crisis intervention, and long-term response.

The Escribano Operation, which led to Spain’s second terrorism-related conviction in prison since 2008, highlights the need for multi-agency cooperation, legal frameworks, and intelligence-led strategies to prevent radicalisation. Research by the Euro-Arab Foundation provides key insights and recommendations for strengthening security, rehabilitation, and European cooperation in tackling extremist recruitment behind bars.

"Our open internal borders mirror our commitment to an open society: democratic, free and outward looking. It’s the geographical expression of what the EU is all about. And with Bulgaria and Romania now fully on board, the Schengen Area is bigger than ever."

Welcome

Seeking to continuously enhance the EU Knowledge Hub website and make it more user-friendly and informative, the team has recently launched an event calendar. Never miss an event in the future: With this new feature, visitors can quickly access key details, including event dates, locations, venues, and a general overview of activities. To streamline navigation, filtering tools have been integrated, allowing users to search by event type, venue, or date. Additionally, a keyword search function ensures that information about specific events can be found effortlessly. To keep users informed, three upcoming events are highlighted directly on the landing page, ensuring that key opportunities remain easily accessible. Further updates will continue to improve the EU Knowledge Hub online experience. Stay tuned!

The EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalisation presents the first edition of The Hub. Insights magazine, dedicated to amplifying the voices of victims and survivors of terrorism in honour of the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. This edition features powerful stories and insightful narratives that explore the invaluable role victims and survivors play in preventing and countering violent extremism. The magazine underscores the profound power of healing through action and the absolute necessity of elevating victims' voices, including the invisible ones. Be inspired by reading some of their powerful, thought-provoking and reconciling testimonies, and join us in supporting victims and survivors of terrorism.

The IN2PREV project strengthens refugee and asylum seeker integration while preventing radicalisation through early risk detection, mentoring, and frontline practitioner training. By fostering cooperation between NGOs and law enforcement, the project develops innovative tools and strategies to support inclusion and resilience.

Local authorities gathered in Malaga for the EU Knowledge Hub’s first Strategic Communications training on P/CVE. Experts explored extremist narratives, audience segmentation and crisis communication strategies to counter radicalisation. Through hands-on exercises and simulations, participants gained tools to strengthen social cohesion and build resilience against disinformation.

As extremist tactics evolve and geopolitical crises intensify, Europe faces new radicalisation challenges. From AI’s role in extremism to the rising threat among youth, policymakers must adapt swiftly. The EU Knowledge Hub’s Research Committee plays a pivotal role in bridging research and policy, ensuring strategic direction to shape effective responses. Some initial reflections from the group.

On 11 March, the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism commemorative ceremony held in Strasbourg, France honoured lives lost and stood in solidarity with survivors. Powerful testimonies, a symbolic tree ceremony, and moments of reflection reinforced resilience and unity. Find the link at the end of the article to watch the live stream recording.

A recent wave of suspected jihadist attacks in Germany, Austria, and France has reignited concerns over online radicalisation. Experts warn that social media algorithms may accelerate extremist recruitment, making proactive prevention crucial.

Lone-actor violence is a complex and evolving threat, but it is not an entirely unpredictable phenomenon. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that incorporates community engagement, threat assessment, mental health interventions, and online disruption strategies, we can move closer to preventing these tragic events. It is vital to continue to improve our understanding of the cultural and societal factors that contribute to radicalisation.