SHIELD is a project funded by the European Union’s Internal Security Fund that aims to protect places of worship from the risks of violent extremism. The project brings together the EU public and private actors – Christian, Jewish, and Muslim organisations, security professionals, LEAs, municipalities, risk detection specialists, and technology partners – to enhance security postures at places of worship through improving coordination, cooperation, and communication among these organisations.

SHIELD identifies the technologies and procedures that can meet the needs and mitigate the vulnerabilities of places of worship. Such points will be addressed by developing new measures and adapting existing technologies.

In conclusion, SHIELD outlines recommendations and guidelines for LEAs and religious leaders to favour the prevention and implementation of common protocols to ensure the safeguarding of these places and the resilience of believers of different faiths.

SHIELD’s consortium is made up of 18 partners from 10 EU countries, engaged for two years: from January 2022 to December 2023.