Federal Minister Faeser met with French Interior Minister Darmanin in Paris to discuss the current threat of Islamist extremist terrorism. Both countries experienced horrific terrorist attacks last week: in Solingen, Germany, a Syrian national who had applied for asylum killed three people in a knife attack apparently motivated by Islamist extremism; and in La Grande-Motte, France, two suspects have been charged in an arson attack on a synagogue.

"Our security authorities are doing everything possible to protect the public against terrorist attacks, and they are keeping a close watch on those suspected of being Islamist extremists," Federal Minister said following the meeting.

Current developments in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023 mean that the threat level remains high in the Federal Republic of Germany as well. Terrorist and jihadist groups, such as the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in particular, continue to target Germany and Europe. "The knife attack in Solingen and the arson attack on a synagogue in La Grande-Motte indicate the danger posed by individuals who have become radicalised," Federal Minister Faeser said. Such attacks are a major challenge for the security authorities. This makes it all the more important for the security authorities to work together on the basis of trust in order to take decisive action against Islamist extremism and antisemitism, as Federal Minister Faeser told her French counterpart.

Terrorist groups use social media to radicalise and mobilise their supporters to carry out violent attacks and in some cases even help with the preparation.

Preventing radicalisation and extremism

The Federal Government supports a wide range of projects intended to reduce the number of people who become radicalised. These projects address those targeted by extremists and offer alternatives in the form of education and workshops. Exit programmes for people who no longer want to be involved with extremism are very important, as are education and support for their friends and family members. Federal Minister Faeser noted that this "requires more prevention wherever people are at risk of being led astray."

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) set up an Advice Centre on Radicalisation in 2012 which serves as an initial point of contact for people who fear that someone they care about may be attracted to radical Islamist extremism. Staff of the centre answer frequently asked questions; seek out local assistance, individual counselling and support; provide referrals to specialists; and establish contact with other people who are in a similar situation. In this way, the centre works with self-help initiatives.

Advice Centre on Radicalisation (Beratungsstelle Radikalisierung)
Website: www.beratungsstelle-radikalisierung.de
Telephone: +49 911 943 43 43 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00–15:00)