Context
The EU’s wider neighbourhood is at risk of terrorism and faces an increased threat from the dispersion and cross-border operations of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs). Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in affected areas encounter challenges, such as deficiencies in inter-agency coordination and lack of international and cross-regional cooperation frameworks. In addition to aquiring substantial knowledge on combatting terrorism and an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon relevant for EU Member States’ LEAs’ counter-terrorism (CT) efforts, the awareness of the added value of a concerted cross-regional LEA response to terrorism is growing in the MENA, Sahel and East African regions but also within organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the League of Arab States (LAS).
Hence, the exchange of best practices and information between law enforcement agencies in the EU, the MENA, Sahel and East Africa is an essential building block of the solution to mitigate the threat for the regions.
Overall objective
CT INFLOW II aims to support partner countries in their efforts to prevent and disrupt terroristnetworks and the activities of recruiters to terrorism, cutting off terrorist funding, and bringing terrorists to justice, while continuing to respect human rights and international law.
Specific objectives
- To support partner countries in line with the EU political dialogues.
- To improve international cooperation.
- To facilitate sharing of best practices on the exchange of information, criminal analysis, cross-border investigations and prosecutions, in particular about foreign terrorist fighters and individuals suspected of planning or carrying out terrorist offences.
Concrete activities
- Enhanced Mechanism for Information Sharing and Analysis (EMISA) working groups and online meetings on topics including FTFs, preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), prison and probation, building cyber capacities, countering terrorism financing, and enhancing investigative capabilities.
- Technical and operational assessement: Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA) for partner.
- Mock trials to strengthen judicial cooperation and criminal justice chains.
- Project duration
- 1 Jul 2024 - 30 Jun 2028
- Project locations
- AlgeriaEgyptJordanKenyaLebanonLibyaMoroccoTunisiaTürkiye
- Overall budget
- €6 000 000
- Threat area
- Counter-Terrorism, Prevention of Violent Extremism
Results
- Expanded CT cooperation and networking between the EU, the MENA region, and other countries in Sahel and East Africa by facilitating the participation of new partners in the project’s the activities.
- Designed blended activities that integrate theoretical knowledge with authentic scenarios, resulting in well-rounded law enforcement and judiciary professionals equipped with knowledge on best practices and their practical implementation.
- Delivered online and onsite activities on indispensable components of CT efforts, such as joint investigations, online terrorism propaganda and freedom of expression.
- Conducted OTNA to identify training requirements for partners, ensuring that needs-based project activities drive the improvement of counter-terrorism competencies.
- Developed toolboxes, research, innovative approach across various CT fields to serve as resources for partners, enabling them to develop effective strategies to address violent extremism and radicalisation, promote counter-narratives and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
- Coordinated the EMISA network, bringing together practitioners from the EU, the MENA region, and beyond into its eight Working Groups to exchange expertise and strategic advice on various aspects of CT and extremism.
Achievements
- Leveled up cooperation on CT by setting the stage for collaboration among a wider group of countries from MENA, the Sahel, and East Africa, as a result addressing the global nature of the terrorist threat.
- Brought EU and regional standards to practical application through the delivery of targeted, innovative, and practice-oriented capacity building activities.
- Empowered law enforcement and judicial authorities through targeted training, expert guidance, practical joint exercises, and opportunities for strategic networking.
- Enhanced operational capabilities to effectively prevent and investigate terrorist activities through tailored assessments and actionable policy recommendations.
- Facilitated a deeper understanding of the complex challenges associated with counter-terrorism by providing a platform for partners to engage directly by creating platforms based on open communication.
Stakeholders
Coordinators
European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL)
- Website
- https://www.cepol.europa.eu/