On March 25-26, 2025, the National Coordinator and Director of the Center for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE Center), Msc. Lejdi Dervishi, represented Albania at an important two-day seminar in Brussels, organized by the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation.

The aim of the meeting was to address the management of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF), volunteers, and their families. In recent years, the return of FTFs from conflict zones has raised concerns and complex issues for global security. In addition to security risks, the rehabilitation and reintegration of these individuals presents another level of challenge. As a result, the European Union has improved its strategy against terrorism and the increasing threat posed by FTFs.

The seminar aimed to provide an overview of political strategies and approaches to FTFs within the EU, as well as outside of it (in the Western Balkans and MENA regions). It also sought to provide insights into the international and national legal frameworks and the challenges related to the handling of FTFs and their families.

Representatives of the CVE Center shared their experiences regarding the challenges and management of FTFs, focusing on various aspects of reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees. They also addressed future concerns related to FTFs, with the goal of creating a sustainable process and reducing radicalization.