Digital P/CVE for first-line practitioners

Summary

On 22-23 July 2025, the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation organised in Warsaw the first Strategic Communications training on Digital P/CVE for 25 first-line practitioners from social sectors. This conclusion paper synthesises the outcomes of the two‑day programme aimed at equipping participants with foundations and practical skills for digital P/CVE, using a step‑by‑step, hands‑on pedagogy (mini‑lectures, tool demos, casework, and a time‑boxed simulation). The course introduced the cyber‑social ecosystem as a human‑centric security domain in which identity, trust, and emotion are strategically weaponised by extremist groups and malign actors, requiring updated analytic and operational approaches. Participants examined platform operations and cognitive dynamics (algorithms, moderation, short‑form video) that accelerate exposure and erode slow, critical thinking. The trainers provided analysis on the online spread of extremist narratives, meme‑driven normalisation, and the mainstreaming of the “Great Replacement,” with an Amsterdam riots case, while onboarding AI‑enabled monitoring (EOOH dashboard, CaLICO, deDuider) aligned with DSA practice. Competencies were built to identify early signals of radicalisation (behavioural/emotional, linguistic/symbolic, psychosocial, platform‑specific patterns, typologies) within ethical and safeguarding boundaries. Communication modules focused on positive digital reputation, reframing, norms‑based messaging, and trusted messengers. A scenario‑based exercise strengthened readiness for 24‑hour civic responses using a Cyber‑Social Security based approach (Human Rights; Social Cohesion; Cognitive & Emotional Integrity; Digital Rights; Narrative Resilience).

Keywords

digital P/CVE, first-line practitioners, training