EUAM Iraq invited to a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) debriefing workshop in the ancient city of Ur, Dhi Qar. The event brought together law enforcement, civil society, religious and tribal leaders to reflect on lessons learned from a recent EU-supported study visit to France and to explore how international practices can be adapted to the Iraqi context.

The workshop was hosted with the support of the Deputy Governor of Dhi Qar and the Head of Iraq’s National CVE Committee, Mr. Ali Abdullah. The initiative underscores the importance of local leadership and whole-of-society cooperation in preventing radicalisation.

EUAM Iraq Head of Mission Anders Wiberg attended the CVE Subcommittee meeting for the first time during this visit - held in the symbolic setting of Ur, widely considered the cradle of civilisation.

“Inspired by the legacy of Ur, a city built on wisdom and justice, today’s workshop is a call to action: to transform shared knowledge into local capacity and to build trust between institutions and citizens,” said Wiberg. “Radicalisation is evolving rapidly—online, among younger individuals, and at greater speed. Our responses must be equally agile and rooted in community resilience.”

The meeting highlighted the impact of interagency coordination, early detection, and local prevention strategies. Special attention was also given to emerging drivers of radicalisation, including climate-related displacement and youth vulnerability.

EUAM Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraqi partners in building inclusive, safe, and resilient communities.