RAN Policy Paper: Developing a local prevent framework and guiding principles - Part 2

Tackling radicalisation and preventing violent extremism is a major challenge that must be addressed if we are to safeguard security and democratic values. It is one of the pillars of the EU’s counter-terrorism policy and increasingly a priority for the EU, for national governments and for local authorities. This is especially the case in the aftermath of recent terrorist
attacks, and in the light of increasing polarisation and radicalisation. The scale and scope of the foreign terrorist fighter (FTF) phenomenon, with several thousand men, women and children travelling to join ISIL, represents an unprecedented security challenge. Now there is the prospect of foreign terrorist fighters returning to their countries of origin, or traveling to destinations of their choice within the EU. Terrorist attacks within several EU Member States are designed to sow fear, panic and societal division which extremists can exploit to mobilise further support for their cause.