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Terrorism and violent extremism

Denmark contributes to international efforts to counter violent extremism and terrorism. The overall objective is to project Denmark and Danish interests abroad by reducing the threat from global terrorism.

The general policy frameworks for Denmark’s engagement in multilateral efforts to prevent and counter terrorism are the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy (GCTF) (most recently revised in July 2021) and the EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on EU External Action on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (adopted in June 2022).

In addition to the UN and EU, Denmark participates in other parts of the global counterterrorism architecture including the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL/Daesh and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

Denmark applies a multifaceted approach focusing on preventing people from becoming radicalised in the first place while at the same time promoting an effective law enforcement and criminal justice response when the threat materialises. This approach is founded on respect for international human rights and the rule of law.

For more details on Danish engagements, please see this overview. Preventing and countering terrorism is complemented by Denmark’s wider stabilisation engagement in fragile states. 

For assessments of the terror threat against Denmark and the current global risk assessment, please refer to The Danish Security and Intelligence Service and The Danish Defence Intelligence Service.