Combating radicalisation at grassroots level: the role of local and regional authorities - Resolution 381 (2015)

The recent terrorist attacks in European and other cities require effective responses, in particular in the field of prevention of radicalisation, and concerted action at all levels of governance for the conception, preparation and implementation of measures to counter terrorism. Local and regional authorities are in direct contact with diverse communities and have therefore a special role and added value with regard to public policy in this respect.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has been working over the last decades on subjects which are pertinent to the fight against radicalisation at grassroots level. This includes fostering inclusive communities and urban development, intercultural and inter-faith dialogue at local level, education for democratic citizenship in Europe’s cities and regions, tackling extremism and radicalisation, urban security and crime prevention. The Congress’ strategy to combat radicalisation at grassroots’ level proposes a series of local and regional activities, comprising awareness raising, synergies and partnerships with Council of Europe bodies and other institutions.

Accordingly, the Congress commits itself to revising its legal arsenal on anti-radicalisation texts, devising guidelines and toolkits for local and regional elected representatives and developing training modules on human rights. It requests that local and regional authorities actively participate in concerted national action against extremism and radicalisation and invites member states’ governments, in particular, to allocate complementary appropriate means and resources for the implementation, at local and regional level, of the Council of Europe Action Plan 2015-17 on countering terrorism.