Addressing the Phenomenon of Foreign Fighters: Contributions for Policy and Practice

• In Event: Understanding Terrorist Threats

Abstract

Foreign fighters (FF) are a frequent phenomenon, even in smaller conflicts, posing security risks to both local populations and their home countries. They may radicalize, engage in criminal networks, traffic weapons, or become career fighters. Despite these risks, there is a lack of adequate policies, legislation, and interventions to address FF effectively. With global tensions rising and easier travel, further attention to this issue is necessary. While the EU Counter-Terrorism agenda focuses on FF in Syria and Iraq due to terrorism, it largely overlooks their impact in other conflicts.

Beyond battlefield risks, FF require reintegration support, as exposure to violence may lead to PTSD, depression, or other mental health issues. Those involved in crimes should face legal investigation and prosecution. The EU responded swiftly to European IS recruits with laws to criminalize FF, yet its approach to the Ukraine conflict since 2014 has been inconsistent.

This study seeks to bridge this gap by offering policy recommendations for EU legislation and prevention strategies. Interviews with European Commission policy officers, Europol, national security agencies, and experts will inform multifaceted legal, policy, and academic insights. Findings will contribute to adapting EU policies to evolving FF trends, including those emerging from Ukraine.

Author

• Cátia Moreira de Carvalho, Dublin City University