On 17 June 2024, the European Commission launched a significant new initiative aimed at preventing radicalisation: the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation. The creation of the EU Knowledge Hub was first outlined in the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda 2020. Building on the achievements of the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), the Knowledge Hub is designed to support a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, by providing a collaborative platform for working together at the EU level.

The launch event was opened by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and the Belgian Minister of the Interior, Institutional Reform, and Democratic Renewal, Annelies Verlinden. Several critical topics were discussed:

• The challenge of addressing lone actors dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach;
• The effect of geopolitical conflicts, such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing situation in the Middle East, on European societies;
• The radicalisation of minors, with a particular focus on the ways in which extremist groups exploit vulnerable youth, and the crucial role of families and schools in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.

The EU Knowledge Hub will engage in a range of activities that extend beyond mere awareness-raising. These activities include:

• Organising thematic panels for experts to collaborate on priority topics;
• Facilitating project-based collaborations led by Member States;
• Hosting workshops, study visits, and tailored support services;
• Offering training, mentoring, and job shadowing opportunities;
• Conducting research and foresight analysis.

The Knowledge Hub will facilitate EU cooperation in preventing radicalisation, thereby providing support to Member States and priority third countries in addressing this challenge.