WB PaCT trains law enforcement of the Western Balkans on Foreign Terrorist Fighters

The threat posed by Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) is a major issue for international and national security, as governments are attempting to find solutions to address the complex set of challenges posed by this phenomenon.

To address this threat, CEPOL, in the framework of its WB PaCT project, organised a training for law enforcement and judicial professionals from the Western Balkans region. The activity aimed to strengthen their awareness on the best investigative practices when dealing with Foreign Terrorist Fighters, returnees and their families.

With the help of trainers from the police and the private sector from Belgium, France and EU agencies, the 27 participants increased their knowledge on the threats related to the release of radicalised individuals from prison, on radicalisation prevention, multidisciplinary cooperation and best practices on information exchange. The course also focused on legal aspects, e.g. the collection of evidence from a terrorist hotspot or a battlefield.

Reflecting on the benefits of this activity, a participant highlighted: 

The event took place between 27-31 March in Brussels, with the support of the European Commission, Europol and Eurojust.

About WB PaCT

The Partnership against Crime and Terrorism project in the Western Balkans (WB PaCT) aims at enhancing the capacities of the authorities in the Western Balkans to fight organised crime and terrorism including preventing and countering violent extremism by enhancing cooperation within the region and with the EU. For more information, please visit the project page.