European commission calls on EU states to tackle violent extremism

The European Commission has called on the EU states to do more to pre-empt violent extremism, warning that it is fuelling terrorism.Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said in a speech that no EU state had been spared from the threat. While foreign terrorism had affected Europeans, she pointed out, some Europeans had also travelled abroad to commit terrorist acts. The EU commissioner proposed a "new toolbox for Europe in countering extremism".In addition to the Radicalization Awareness Network created by the Commission in 2011, a European "knowledge hub" will be set up to offer advice and conduct research on violent extremism, the (BBC) quoted Malmstroem as saying.The new centre, which will cost 20 million euros ($27.3 million) over four years, is one of 10 recommendations outlined on Wednesday."Terrorism is now being driven by a wide range of sources, including nationalist ideologies, al-Qaeda, violent left-wing groups, anarchists and, not least, right-wing ideologies," the commissioner said. According to Malmstroem, more than 1,200 Europeans have travelled abroad to combat zones where they may join groups with terrorist agendas and could pose a threat to security when they return home.EU states needed to do more, she said, to counter extremism through the education system.They should also support anyone wanting to participate in a de-radicalization programme. "The risk of radicalization leading to violent extremism in the EU is growing, and ideology-motivated attacks cause more than just loss of life and economic damage - they divide communities across the EU and fuel extremist views," Malstroem said, adding "We have no time to lose, seeing the fast pace at which extremism, xenophobia and nationalism keep growing in Europe."