FRA focused on the need to embed fundamental rights considerations in any EU policy to combat extremism, dwelling in particular on the necessity for a wider framework for communication and dialogue in the EU that does not merely provide knowledge and information, but helps to generate a shift in attitudes and behaviour.

• it must be fundamental rights-centred, based on the body of rights and freedoms contained in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU
• it requires a comprehensive response that in turn depends on a well-coordinated cross-sectoral approach
• it needs to foster respect and mutual trust, including in government institutions and the police
• it should foster integration and social cohesion through participation and civic engagement, particularly of young people

In order to measure and promote social cohesion, FRA is in the course of repeating the EU-wide survey of ethnic minorities and migrants that it first carried out in 2008, providing a unique insight into experiences of discrimination, hate crime and democratic participation. Together with another FRA project on social inclusion and active participation of migrants and their descendants, FRA will be in possession of data that can help EU institutions and Member States to better understand the root causes of the sense of exclusion that has been a factor in radicalisation around the EU.