Projects

Radicalisation that leads to terrorism is a phased and complex process. In this process, an individual or a group embraces a radical ideology or belief that accepts, uses, or condones violence, including acts of terrorism, to reach a specific political or ideological purpose. The EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation brings together practitioners, policymakers and researchers working on prevention across Europe and in priority third countries. The creation of the Hub is outlined in the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda 2020. The EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation supports the development and implementation of policies and strategies based on shared knowledge and expertise. It fosters collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges of radicalization, emphasizing an integrated, policy-driven approach and a whole-of-society perspective. 

 

Cecilia Polizzi, Founding CEO of the Next Wave Center, was appointed as an expert of the EU Knowledge Hub and as a member of Thematic Panel 6 on the Management of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs), Volunteers, and their Families in 2025. Thematic Panel 6 provides a platform to network, discuss and exchange knowledge on best practices and approaches to dealing with returnees and their families. It also addresses challenges related to returnee rehabilitation and reintegration. The key objective of the Panel is to stimulate substantive dialogue among key stakeholders, civil society, researchers, and private sector actors, leading to effective interventions on the ground.

 

It addresses the following overarching themes:

 

Emerging challenges and needs regarding the management of FTFs

 

Different aspects of returnee reintegration and rehabilitation (including the online dimension, gender, media and public discourse, the impact of trauma faced by all affected, the role of the family, education, the use of strategic communications to support the process, etc.)

 

Best practices and lessons learned from previous conflicts and experiences.

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As an appointed member of Thematic Panel 6, Cecilia Polizzi mainstreams her expertise and strategic insight within the Panel’s workstreams. In this capacity, she leads a dedicated sub-thematic group focusing on children affected by the Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) phenomenon and contributes to the development of evidence-based policy recommendations supporting the European Commission’s work in this field, including broader efforts addressing minors affected by terrorism and violent extremism.