Combating violent radicalisation through preventive action

Violent extremism means using violence, threatening with it or encouraging or justifying it on the basis of one’s world view or on ideological grounds. 

Violent radicalisation is a process through which individuals resort to violence or the threat of it, urge someone to commit acts of violence or justify it on ideological grounds. There are always several root causes behind radicalisation, and radicalised people do not fit any one profile. Violent radicalisation may lead to individuals joining violent extremist groups or engaging in such action. At its most extreme, violent radicalisation can result in terrorist acts.

Prevention of violent radicalisation and extremism targets all forms of violent extremism. 

Preventive action is the best way to combat violent radicalisation and extremism. Prevention is always better than cure. Prevention increases safety and people's sense of security, and it reduces confrontation between population groups and polarisation in society.

Organisation at national and local levels

The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violent Radicalisation and Extremism sets out the objectives and measures of preventive action.

The Ministry of the Interior has launched the preparation of an updated National Action Plan. Due to be completed in spring 2024, this will be the fourth update of the action plan.
The Ministry of the Interior coordinates the prevention of violent radicalisation and extremism nationally. 

The Ministry of the Interior has appointed a national cooperation group with representatives from authorities and non-governmental organisations. The authorities involved in the group have organised the preventive action in their respective administrative branches. As the group's term ended on 31 December 2023, the updated action plan will review the group's tasks and identify the parties invited to it.

Besides national cooperation, prevention of violent radicalisation and extremism is carried out by local cooperation networks. The composition of these networks varies by locality.
In addition, anchor groups take preventive action focusing on individuals. The anchor group principles are set out in the Anchor Manual.

Anchor website

Finland is actively involved in international cooperation

Finland acts locally, nationally and internationally to prevent violent radicalisation and extremism. Finland actively participates in international cooperation in order to exchange information with other countries on experiences and best practices and to have an exchange of views on preventive action.

The Nordic Safe Cities network and the inter-ministerial cooperation network are key forums for Nordic cooperation.

In the European Union, it is the responsibility of the Member States to prevent violent radicalisation. The European Commission develops and coordinates activities at the EU level and supports cooperation among Member States. 

Inquiries

Jenni Raitanen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of the Interior, Police Department, Police Operations Coordination, tel. +358 295 488 689, email [email protected]