EUAM Iraq organised a study visit to Belgium for a high-level Iraqi delegation led by Mr. Ali Abdullah, Head of the National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation with European partners on sustainable, locally grounded approaches to preventing violent extremism.
The delegation joined the Hedayah International Research Conference (RC25), which brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss rehabilitation, reintegration, prevention and digital resilience. Iraq delivered a keynote address and contributed to a panel on reintegration, reaffirming its commitment to evidence-based and locally grounded approaches.
The delegation also held a series of meetings, including with Mr. Bartjan Wegter, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, to discuss shared priorities such as community engagement, reintegration of returnees and multi-agency cooperation.

A field visit to Mechelen showcased successful local prevention efforts. The delegation met with the Mayor, police representatives and social service actors to learn about the Local Integrated Security Cell and initiatives like Project in Mechelen and Fathers’ Groups.
The visit concluded with discussions with Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI (and The Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) on EU-funded CVE initiatives and future collaboration.
This visit reflects the growing partnership between Iraq and the EU in promoting sustainable and locally tailored responses in line with Iraq’s National Strategy on CVE.