SCIENCE BLOG

A row of people standing with their hands raised in prayer, palms open, dressed in dark formal clothing inside a dimly lit indoor space.

SECURING SACRED SPACES: EUROPE'S NEW APPROACH TO PROTECTING PLACES OF WORSHIP

Across Europe, attacks on places of worship are becoming more frequent and complex. This article explores how the principle of Security by Design is reshaping efforts to protect religious sites, integrating safety into architecture, policy, and community practice. Drawing on EU projects like PARTES and PARTESS-COM, it highlights how prevention, collaboration, and trust can strengthen resilience across Europe.

PARTESS-COM

Kaashif Awan

Nov 66 min read

Rows of small votive candles burning in glass holders, casting a warm glow in a dimly lit setting. The flickering flames create a solemn and reflective atmosphere.

UNITED IN RESPONSE: COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES IN PROTECTING PLACES OF WORSHIP

Protecting Places of Worship: A multi-dimensional approach to security, resilience, and interfaith cooperation in times of crisis.

Terrorism

Annika Scharnagl

Mar 55 min read

THE EVOLVING JIHADIST THREAT IN EUROPE AGAINST JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES POST-7/10

Jihadist threats rise post-7/10. How Europe’s Jewish and Christian communities face deterrence challenges and the security paradox.

Terrorism

Erik Hacker

Oct 23, 202410 min read

FROM MARGINS TO TARGETS: HOW TO COUNTER EXCLUSION AND PROTECT RELIGIOUS MINORITIES

Researcher José Luis Salido-Medina on the dangers faced by minority religious communities due to social and spatial exclusion

PARTES

José Luis Salido-Medina

May 8, 20246 min read

UNVEILING THE POPULIST PARADOX: HOW FREEDOM OF SPEECH IMPACTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND SAFETY

Niels Verster on how populism blurs the line between freedom of speech and religious safety.

Extremism research

Niels Verster

Sep 25, 20236 min read