DRIVE

The general objective of the proposed Action is to prevent Islamic terrorism from proliferating at the EU’s fringes though development and diffusion of (cost-) efficient and innovative approaches regarding DRR of (former) Islamist extremists through collaboration between six partners, aiming in particular to strenghten the Western Balkans’ capacity to manage threats connected with militant Islamism.

DRIVE

About Project

The general objective of the proposed Action is to prevent Islamic terrorism from proliferating at the EU’s fringes though development and diffusion of (cost-) efficient and innovative approaches regarding DRR of (former) Islamist extremists through collaboration between six partners, aiming in particular to strenghten the Western Balkans’ capacity to manage threats connected with militant Islamism. Through a series of steps including a practice and policy mapping and an exchange of knowledge and best practices, the project will result in concrete publications (protocols, models and recommendations) regarding crucial aspects within the broad field of DRR, including stakeholder collaboration, risk assessment, community involvement in DRR and the treatment of particularly vulnerable segments such as female and minor extremists and FTF returnees (see ‘specific objectives’ below). Visibility and practicability of the knowledge thus generated will be warranted through ‘train-the-trainer’ modules implemented in three Western Balkan states, which are directed at the beneficiaries of the project (i.e. relevant local and national policy-makers, staff from correctional and probation facilities, community actors, youth and social workers and other relevant private/public bodies who might contribute to DRR in and outside of prison). 

These modules will enhance the preparedness of said beneficiaries by raising their awareness to the threats connected with Islamist extremism and equipping them with knowledge and skills required to assist individuals with potentially traumatic experiences, violent potential and extremely damaging world views to reconnect with society, thereby reducing their risk of recidivism, bolstering community security and halting metastasizing of terror cells in Europe’s periphery. Furthermore, collaboration among various institutional state and non-state stakeholders will be strengthened through publication and diffusion of collaboration models as well as the training modules, where we consciously bring together representatives of different sectors in order to promote trustbuilding between them.

Specific Objectives:

  1. Ensuring that extremists receive the treatment that fits their needs
  2. Facilitating early DRR in prison
  3. Enhancing the preparedness of frontline practitioners to the specific needs of extremists
  4. Facilitating reintegration of extremists upon entry into society
  5. Ensuring smooth collaboration between levels of government
  6. Facilitating RDD of particularly vulnerable groups

Grant agreement ID: 101035833

Start date: 01 October 2021

End date: 31 April 2023

Funded under: ISFP-2020-AG-RAD

EU Contribution: € 613 845,09

Overall budget: € 682 050,10

Coordinated by: European Foundation for South-East Asian Studies (EFSAS)