Brussels The European Commission’s CERIS (Community for European Research and Innovation for Security) hosted a high-level workshop to address youth-related criminality, bringing together researchers, law enforcement, policymakers, and civil society to share insights and shape future EU security initiatives.
Key themes and takeaways:
- Root causes and risk factors: Experts highlighted the importance of understanding social exclusion, digital radicalization, family instability, and peer pressure as drivers of youth involvement in crime. The workshop emphasized early intervention and tailored support systems.
- Multi-agency collaboration: Successful models showcased cooperation between schools, police, social workers, and NGOs, with a focus on trust-building and community resilience. Participants stressed that youth crime prevention must be holistic, not punitive.
- Digital threats and online grooming: The rise of cyberbullying, hate speech, and recruitment via social media was flagged as a growing concern. The workshop called for AI-powered monitoring tools, media literacy education, and cross-border data sharing to counter digital exploitation.
- Youth empowerment: Several initiatives were presented that engage young people as change agents, including peer mentoring, creative arts programs, and sports-based outreach. These approaches aim to build identity, purpose, and belonging.
- Policy and funding alignment: The Commission reaffirmed its support through Horizon Europe, ISF (Internal Security Fund), and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, encouraging stakeholders to submit proposals that prioritize inclusion, innovation, and impact.
- Next steps: CERIS will publish a policy brief summarizing workshop outcomes and recommendations for future EU-funded research and pilot programs targeting youth crime prevention.
The workshop reinforced the EU’s commitment to evidence-based, rights-respecting approaches that protect young people while addressing the structural conditions that lead to criminal behavior.
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