EU and UN showcase innovative partnership to tackle evolving terrorism threats

The European Union and the United Nations brought together policymakers, practitioners, and international partners in Brussels to highlight the impact of their joint EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility , an innovative mechanism delivering tailored support to countries facing complex security challenges.

Funded by the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) and implemented by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Facility reflects a shift in how the EU engages with partner countries: moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions towards co-designed and co-delivered assistance, built on trust, partnership, and local ownership.

The event showcased how this approach enables countries to respond more effectively to evolving terrorist threats, while ensuring that support remains fully aligned with international law and a human rights-based framework.

A flexible and demand-driven model

Launched in 2022 with a budget of EUR 14 million, the Facility provides rapid, targeted assistance to countries upon request, helping to strengthen national capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to terrorism and violent extremism.

Discussions emphasised that the Facility's success lies in its demand-driven nature. Rather than prescribing solutions, the EU and UN work closely with partner countries to identify needs and deliver bespoke support adapted to specific national contexts.

Since its inception, the Facility has already supported 11 countries across regions including Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

From policy to practice: real-world impact

Participants explored concrete examples of the Facility's work through case studies from Uganda, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan.

These included strengthening investigation and prosecution capacities, supporting the voluntary repatriation and reintegration of individuals from conflict zones, and enhancing the use of digital evidence while protecting vulnerable targets.

Across all cases, a common thread emerged: effective counter-terrorism requires strong institutions, cross-sector coordination, and community trust.

"[The] exchanges, including insights from the Kyrgyz Republic and other regions such as Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the truly global nature of the terrorist threat and the importance of strengthened international cooperation" stated Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, The European Union Special Representative for Central Asia.

Advancing gender equality in security

A key focus of the Facility is promoting the participation and leadership of women in counter-terrorism efforts. With dedicated funding allocated to this component, the programme recognises that inclusive security approaches lead to more sustainable and effective outcomes.

Speakers underlined that integrating gender perspectives is not an add-on, but a core element of programme design and delivery, ensuring that interventions are more responsive to the needs of all members of society.

A partnership built on shared values

The event reaffirmed the strength of EU-UN cooperation in addressing global security challenges. By combining political support, technical expertise, and flexible funding, the partnership is helping countries build resilience against terrorism in a way that is both effective and principled.

As highlighted throughout the discussions, this approach reflects the EU's broader commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable peace.