MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Daesh terrorist group, banned in Russia and many other countries, claimed responsibility for a number of attacks that hit various cities across Europe in the past year.
"The fight against radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism belongs to the top priorities of the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship. As the chain of terrorist attacks extends all across the OSCE area and beyond we need to close ranks against terrorism. Above all we need preventive measures to combat radicalization at an early stage and identify and address root causes and triggers for radicalization. Listening to youth is an essential element in this effort. The Austrian Chairmanship therefore intends to hold regional workshops on the topic of youth radicalization. Youth will participate and help develop innovative approaches to dealing with this problem. These ideas will give us a sound basis for further work within the OSCE," Kurz said.
In December 2016, Kurz said that since 2014 some 10,000 Europeans had joined the Daesh jihadist group, outlawed in many countries including Russia. Currently 2,000-2,500 EU nationals reportedly remain in Daesh ranks.
In November 2016, the Austrian Interior Ministry said that 40 percent of jihadists identified in the country had arrived as migrants looking for asylum.
