The 3^rd regional session of the working group on screening, risk and needs assessment (RNA) when it comes to violent extremist prisoners (VEPs) and radicalised inmates in the Western Balkans, took place online in the period 1-3 December 2020. The meeting was attended by multisector professionals in the field and aimed to tackle also the allocation practices regarding radicalised inmates in the Western Balkans.

The discussion was centred around preconditions, challenges and resources for proper application of the VEP-specific screening and RNA instruments and how the ‘Dynamic Security’ concept can better facilitate their utilisation within the prison context. During the meeting was recognised that this concept needs to be further enhanced by developing appropriate policies and procedures and conducting staff training, so it can be better applied in support to VEP screening, assessment and allocation needs. As a result from the meeting, a follow-up discussion paper with concrete recommendations will be developed, taking into account the specific needs of each Beneficiary and resources available.

The session was organised in the form of bi-lateral discussions between the Council of Europe consultants and multisector professionals coming from the Western Balkans region.

The activity was implemented within the scope of the Regional action “Enhancing penitentiary capacities in addressing radicalisation in prisons in the Western Balkans” co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe within the “Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022” and implemented by the Council of Europe.