Council of Europe adopts new guidelines for prosecuting violent extremism
The guidelines, prepared by the Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), outline strategies for tackling violent far-right, far-left, and other extremist groups, addressing all stages of prosecution from investigation to trial.
The Council of Europe has adopted new guidelines aimed at strengthening the prosecution of violent extremism linked to terrorism. Agreed by the Committee of Ministers on 26–27 February 2025 and prepared by the Council’s Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), the text sets out practical strategies for authorities handling cases across the spectrum of violent far-right, far-left and other extremist actors. The new guidelines sit within the Council of Europe’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy for 2023–2027 and build on earlier assessments of emerging threats. Member states are encouraged to use the document to refine investigative practice, improve information-sharing and ensure prosecutions remain both effective and rights-respecting
Why does it matter?
The guidelines focus on the nuts and bolts of bringing cases to court, how to investigate, what to charge, and how to prove terrorist offences, while reaffirming that any measures must be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. They highlight techniques such as online monitoring, surveillance and financial investigations; call for stronger cross-border and inter-agency cooperation given the transnational nature of extremist networks; and underscore prevention, including tackling radicalisation in prisons and supporting disengagement programmes.
