Detail News
27.01.2026
DPI review: Co-lead of the panel at the EU Knowledge Hub
The Documentation Center Political Islam (DPI) has been an active member of the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalization since 2025 and participated in four panels last year focusing on “Local Dimension, Polarization, and Resilience Building.” The meetings were chaired by Catherine Durand together with DPI Deputy Director Ferdinand Haberl. The aim of this EU cooperation is to strengthen preventive approaches to radicalization and extremism, promote exchange between practice, research, and policy, and sustainably build local resilience in European societies.
The first meeting took place in Brussels in January 2025 and focused on a joint review and outlook. The focus was on current developments in the areas of extremism prevention, hybrid threats, and the increasing importance of online radicalization and disinformation. The discussions made it clear that prevention must not be driven solely by security concerns, but must rely on cooperation, knowledge transfer, and early intervention—especially with regard to young people.
Radicalization of minors in Europe
The second meeting in Lyon in June 2025 focused on preventing radicalization among minors. Internal and external influencing factors such as family, peer groups, school, and digital spaces were discussed. It became clear that radicalization processes among young people are often driven by issues of identity, belonging, and recognition. Participants emphasized the need for early and holistic approaches as well as close cooperation between families, educational institutions, and local actors.
The third session, held online in September 2025, focused on building local resilience and dealing with polarization. Key topics included strategic communication, trust in institutions, and the role of civil society networks. Using the CORE Resilience Model, participants learned how to systematically analyze local challenges and develop cross-departmental solutions. There was a particular focus on evidence-based work and evaluation as the basis for effective prevention strategies.
Austria as host of the EU Knowledge Hub
The year concluded with the fourth meeting in Vienna in December 2025, which was organized with significant involvement from the DPI. The focus was on the whole-of-society approach, which emphasizes the shared responsibility of the state, civil society, science, education, social services, and security actors. As part of a study visit, participants also visited the Federal Chancellery (BKA) and engaged in an exchange with Austrian structures in the areas of prevention, youth work, crisis resilience, education, and security policy. Specialist presentations and a concluding discussion rounded off the program.
A common denominator emerged across all four sessions: effective prevention of radicalization and polarization requires local anchoring, cross-sectoral cooperation, mutual trust, and the consistent transfer of knowledge into practice.
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12/23/2025DPI publication on Hezbollah broadcasters in the media
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12/20/2025DPI report on Hezbollah propaganda in Austria
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12/10/2025Political Islam in focus of the new ZUKUNFT issue
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11/24/2025DPI in Lower Austria, Salzburg and Upper Austria
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