Policy Planners' Network

The European Policy Planners’ Network on Countering Radicalisation & Polarisation (PPN) is made up of the security and integration ministries of eight European countries: the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, and Spain. Set up in 2008 and facilitated by ISD, it provides a mechanism for streamlining and systematising the sharing of information on policy, practical implementation and best practice; offers an ‘institutional memory’ for PPN members; commissions research on issues of mutual interest to gain economies of scale; holds regular meetings for discussion, exchange and presentations from non-governmental experts; works to upgrade and coordinate strategies; and enjoys close cooperation with the Coordinator for Counter-terrorism for the Council of the EU and the European Commission.The PPN meets three times per year. There is also one Director-level meeting per year to allow for the involvement of senior leaders, including government ministers.

ISD also supports the work of PPN members through research and events. These currently include:

• The development of a comparative evaluation tool to improve understanding of what works. This work is supported by the European Commission.
• The production of regular background policy briefs on issues of key concern;
• Two policy and practitioner conferences in Brussels, supported by the European Commission, at which the PPN’s annual report will be launched.
• In May 2012, ISD will work with its partners at the Danish Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs to organise an international conference on de-radicalisation. This conference is supported by the European Commission.

ISD also organises a number of practitioner exchanges of frontline workers to allow different professional groups to share information, exchange ideas and best practices, and become networked with .

The PPN was preceded by ISD’s Government Advisory Initiative on Islam and Integration, which provided targeted policy and strategic advice to governments, institutions and political leaders on sensitive questions regarding Muslim engagement and communications. The PPN was also preceded by ISD’s Intelligence and Policing Project, which aimed to identify and propose solutions to the major lacunae in operating relations between intelligence and police services and between security agencies and communities in addressing domestic threats.