VIRTUOUS Project Highlights Urgent Need for Protection of Places of Worship

VIRTUOUS Project Highlights Urgent Need for Protection of Places of Worship

The VIRTUOUS Project recently held a press conference at the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki to address the critical need for safeguarding places of worship. The event brought together representatives from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities, alongside experts and officials, to discuss strategies for enhancing security and promoting interfaith solidarity. 

Professor Nikolaos Dimitriadis, President of the Center for Ecumenical, Apostolic, and Environmental Studies (CEMES), emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of protecting sacred spaces. “Places of worship represent not only faith but the foundation of peaceful coexistence. Thessaloniki has long been a city where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together harmoniously. Protecting these spaces is essential to preserving that legacy,” he stated. 

The press conference highlighted that ensuring security in religious sites is not only about physical protection but also about strengthening resilience, fostering interfaith understanding, and maintaining public trust. A message of support from the Office of the Prime Minister of Greece further reinforced the importance of such initiatives. 

The VIRTUOUS Project continues to advocate for coordinated measures that combine faith, knowledge, and community engagement, showing that true security is built on collaboration and solidarity across religious and societal lines. 

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ENHANCING FAITH INSTITUTIONS LIMITED (EFI)

Enhancing Faith Institutions is a non-theological consultancy working to meet the needs of faith-based communities in Europe. We work in a culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary way to provide research, training, advice, and guidance to support and influence the challenges faced by these communities. We have experience an extensive network of faith networks across Europe across faiths.

Ireland

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SYNYO GmbH (SYNYO)

SYNYO is a Vienna-based applied research company specialising in security, social sciences, and technology. The organisation is dedicated to exploring, developing, and implementing innovative methods, approaches, technologies, and solutions across diverse domains to address societal, political, ecological, and economic challenges effectively.
 
SYNYO takes a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to analysing the impact of emerging technologies, examining them from multiple perspectives. SYNYO’s team comprises professionals with expertise in various scientific and technical fields, including safety and security, education, social sciences, migration, and smart technologies.
 
In its efforts within the safety and security domain, SYNYO conducts and coordinates innovative research on violent radicalisation, terrorism, and organised crime. Notably, in the VIRTUOUS project, SYNYO contributes with its specialised knowledge to research initiatives focused on the protection of places of worship and public spaces. Drawing from experience gained in related ISF, ISFP, HORIZON, and national security research projects, SYNYO plays a crucial role in shaping threat scenarios and investigating potential terrorist attack scenarios.

Austria

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RESEARCH AND EDUCATION OF SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT AND TRANSFORMATION - RESET LTD (RESET)

With over 20 years of combined experience in research and education, RESET develops constructive and education-centered solutions to the most demanding societal challenges of our time. RESET invests on the creation, evolution, and revolution of social-driven concepts, systems and practices which prioritize humanity. Our organization accelerates and amplifies positive local, national, regional and global change through the power of research and education.
We aim for social development by promoting peace and justice, diversity and tolerance, and integration as well as reintegration. The purpose of RESET is to promote a fair and peaceful world through education, restorative dialogue, skill development among professionals and vulnerable groups, and constructive action. RESET is working in close cooperation with governments, local municipalities, NGOs, commercial entities, and educational institutions in order to address market, social, economic and cultural challenges.
RESET belief, is that the three pillars of our work, Research & Education, Restorative Dialogue Workshops and Training can lead to creative solutions that impact significant change to the social fabric of every society.
RESET team is composed of experienced, fully equipped researchers, trainers, educators, project managers, web developers & graphic designers. The areas of expertise are in the fields of youth, VET, training, migrant integration, community-led initiatives, education/e-learning, social innovation, project management, restorative dialogue, prevention of radicalization, drug education, social and creative empowerment, and conflict resolution.

Cyprus

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Cyprus police (CNP)

Mission of the Police is to protect the life and property of people living, working or visiting our country. For this reason, Police exercises its powers throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for the prevention and detection of crime as well as arresting and bringing offenders to justice. Police Vision is to create a modern and effective Police, which guarantees a safer society.
 
The Cyprus Police is inspired by the values, which determine how it behaves and acts. Trust, Integrity, Justice, Loyalty, Respect, Effectiveness,
 
Transparency, Meritocracy, Professionalism and Principles.
Cyprus Police is committed to treating all citizens fairly and equally, irrespective of community, race, color, religion, language, sex, political or other beliefs, ethnic or social origin, age or social class.
 
The Cyprus Police team is consisted by members of the following Units:
– Emergency Response Unit
– Crime Prevention Office HQ
– Operations Branch HQ

Cyprus

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AYUNTAMIENTO DE MURCIA (MURCIA)

Madrid Municipal Police (MPOL) has extensive experience in EU Projects, having worked on more than 30 so far.
With a staff over 6,000 people, Madrid Local Police is the most important local Police in Spain, whose main objective is to provide security in different areas, preventing and responding to citizen security problems and assisting victims, guaranteeing order and security at times of high public affluence.
The public institution is deployed in 21 district units and 18 specialized units with functions to perform specific tasks such as citizen security, traffic accidents investigation., K-9, Information section, judicial police, riot police, environment unit, UAV section, gender-based violence and domestic abuse among others.
The role is as practitioner or end user, mainly helping the technical partners to define requirements and architecture of the system, the testing and evaluation process, the development of pilots and the dissemination among other LEAS stakeholders.

Spain

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AYUNTAMIENTO DE MADRID (PMM)

Madrid Municipal Police (MPOL) has extensive experience in EU Projects, having worked on more than 30 so far.
With a staff over 6,000 people, Madrid Local Police is the most important local Police in Spain, whose main objective is to provide security in different areas, preventing and responding to citizen security problems and assisting victims, guaranteeing order and security at times of high public affluence.
The public institution is deployed in 21 district units and 18 specialized units with functions to perform specific tasks such as citizen security, traffic accidents investigation., K-9, Information section, judicial police, riot police, environment unit, UAV section, gender-based violence and domestic abuse among others.
The role is as practitioner or end user, mainly helping the technical partners to define requirements and architecture of the system, the testing and evaluation process, the development of pilots and the dissemination among other LEAS stakeholders.

Spain

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PLATEFORME DE DIALOGUE INTERCULTUREL (IDP)

The Intercultural Dialogue Platform (IDP) is a non-profit civil society organisation established in 2000 through voluntary initiatives. Committed to fostering meaningful dialogue, active citizenship, and harmonious interactions among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, IDP is deeply rooted in democratic values and dedicated to enhancing social cohesion and civic participation across Europe.
Operating within an extensive network of local and international organisations focused on intercultural dialogue, IDP actively promotes debate and analytical discourse on key topics, including intercultural and interfaith dialogue, civic and democratic engagement, social inclusion, and peaceful coexistence within the European context.
IDP’s strategic priorities include: (1) strengthening social cohesion and intercultural dialogue; (2) promoting civic and democratic engagement aligned with EU Fundamental Rights and values; (3) supporting the social inclusion of individuals with migrant or minority backgrounds; (4) encouraging positive cultural expression and education; (5) combating racism, discrimination, and all forms of intolerance and hatred; and (6) preventing extremism and radicalisation.
Through close cooperation with like-minded individuals and organisations, IDP actively contributes to building resilient societies grounded in democratic principles. Its research, publications, and practical activities foster inclusive and democratic decision-making processes.
Based in the EU quarter of Brussels, IDP collaborates closely with European institutions such as the European Parliament, European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and Council of Europe (CoE), advocating for policies aligned with its mission. IDP coordinates and participates in EU-funded projects under programmes such as CERV, AMIF, HORIZON, and ISF, with particular emphasis on democratic engagement and the prevention of extremism through intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

Belgium

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NODIBINAJUMS LATVIJAS EVANGELISKILUTERISKAS BAZNICAS DIAKONIJASCENTRS (DIACONIA)

The Diaconia Centre of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, founded in 1994, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to social service and diaconal work across the country. Deeply rooted in Christian values, the Centre provides both spiritual care and practical assistance to those in need. It supports individuals facing hardship through charitable programmes and ten community centres that assist children, families, older adults, the unemployed, refugees, people with special needs, and those in crisis.
 
The Diaconia Centre works closely with local authorities, churches, and civil society organisations to ensure broad and effective collaboration. It also serves as a training and support hub for diaconal volunteers within the 293 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, helping to strengthen connections across the church network.
 
Its community and day centres in Riga, Madona, and Cesis offer safe, welcoming spaces where disadvantaged individuals can take part in workshops, skills training, educational activities, and social programmes. Children benefit from after-school clubs, summer camps, excursions, and cultural events that foster personal development.
 
The Diaconia Centre is recognised for its ability to manage public funding and coordinate international cooperation. It has also developed training courses, lifelong learning opportunities, and tools to enhance stakeholder engagement. The Centre has participated in numerous EU-funded initiatives, including projects under the Internal Security Fund such as PARTES and SHRINEs, contributing to research, interfaith dialogue, and the safety and security of religious communities and places of worship.
 
The Diaconia Centre is a member of several international networks, including Eurodiaconia, Interdiac, and the Ecumenical Diaconal Year Network (EDYN), which support peer learning and cross-border collaboration. These platforms also serve as important channels for sharing the outcomes of projects across Europe and strengthening the role of faith-based actors in promoting social cohesion and security.

Latvia

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FUNDACION EUROARABE DE ALTOS ESTUDIOS (FUNDEA)

Founded in 1984 by a European Parliament resolution, the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher
Studies (FUNDEA) is a non-profit institution fostering cooperation between the European Union and the Arab League countries. Additionally, FUNDEA acts as an interface between local, regional, national and European social and institutional actors and Arab and Islamic communities and organizations present in Europe. Engaging in high-level research, it focuses on democratic governance, security, intercultural dialogue, diversity management, migration, and extremism prevention. Prioritizing mutual understanding, multicultural coexistence, and combating racism, FUNDEA offers programs in school training, postgraduate courses, and specialized practitioner training. Governed by a board led by the Spanish Ministry of Education, FUNDEA boasts a well-equipped facility in Granada, featuring offices, meeting rooms, a library, and innovative Virtual Reality Blended Solution for training courses

Spain

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ISRAILITIKI KOINOTITA THESSALONIKIS (JCT)

The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki
 
The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, is one of the oldest and most important Jewish Communities, with a history that spans over more than 20 centuries. Nowadays, it is a Legal Entity under Public Law founded in its present form by Royal Decree in 1920. It comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, and operates according to Law No. 2456/1920 “On the Jewish Communities” and its own statutes. The JCT is affiliated with the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece and the majority of International Jewish organizations, like the World Jewish Congress, the European Jewish Congress etc. and is in close cooperation with almost all the European Jewish Communities and Organizations.
 
The Community’s objectives are religious, educational and social. The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, operates 2 Synagogues (Monastiriotes Synagogue and Yad Lezikaron Synagogue) and a Cemetery, a Nursery and Elementary School (The Joseph Nissim Primary School of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki), a Summer Camp for the youth, a Community Center hosting recreational, religious, literary and artistic events and a Home for the Elderly (Saul Modiano Home for the Elderly).
 
One of its fundamental objectives is the preservation of Jewish life in Thessaloniki, the heritage of our ancestors and the memory of the Holocaust as well as combatting anti-Semitism. In this framework the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki established the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and most recently, is in the process of creating the Holocaust Museum of Greece.

Greece

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KENTRO OIKOUMENIKON IERAPOSTOLIKONKAI PERIVALLONTIKON MELETON MITROPOLITIS PANTELEIMONPAPAGEORGIOU (CEMES)

The Centre of Ecumenical, Missiological and Environmental Studies “Metropolitan Panteleimon Papageorgiou” (CEMES) is a non-for-profit research centre that aims: a) to provide scientific research services, studies, conferences and publications in the field of ethics, religions, spirituality, human rights, interfaith dialogue and b) to cultivate the environmental consciousness on the integrity of God’s creation. The Centre has organized very important scientific conferences concerning main contemporary questions such as religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, gender issues, ecumenical, Church and state relations, Economic and Refugee Crisis, environmental ethics. It has published 41 books based on those issues. In 2021 launched an online distant Postgraduate Program in Geopolitics and Religious and Ecumenical Relations. CEMES organized many webinars and meetings for peace building and Protection for places of worship and its members are lecturing around the world on those issues participating also in important think tanks with prestigious international organizations and educational institutions. CEMES is run by academic experts in Ethics and Religious Studies which are in close contact with religious leaders in a global level and public authorities.

Greece

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ORSZAGOS RABBIKEPZO ZSIDO EGYETEM (BUJS)

The Budapest University of Jewish Studies is a dynamically prospering small university under the auspices of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (MAZSIHISZ). Opened in 1877 as the rabbinical seminary of the neologue movement in Hungary, it is among the oldest institutions in the world training non-orthodox rabbis and cantors. It has gradually broadened its profile since the 1990s, and it was awarded a university status in 2000. The university focuses on both keeping traditions and building a truly 21st -century profile, through active international connections and providing a high quality education and research activities. The BUJS has academic programmes in Rabbinical training, Cantorial training, Liturgy, Jewish studies, Jewish cultural history, Community development and Social work, as well as a Doctoral programme in Religious studies.
The BUJS team has a strong level of expertise in security issues, research, education, religious studies, Jewish culture, Holocaust studies, community building, cultural studies, trauma-informed approaches as well as in policy-related activities.

Hungary

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Centro Studi Quintum Scutum (QSINT)

The Center was founded to conduct research on innovative emergency management techniques and to offer victims of organized crime, domestic abuse, and war or terrorism legal and technical assistance. The main areas of research are: use of innovative technology; psycho – physical biofilic training; use of economics to mitigate the impact of crises. The Center is among the partners for the training in the Master of the Catholic University of Milan “Crisis & disaster management: the organizational functions in Civil Protection, Security and Civil Defence”. The Italian Association of Professionals in Corporate Security, or AIPSA, and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy of Solbiate Olona are other partners of the master. During the VIRTUOUS project, the Centre will study the tactical aspects of terrorist attacks and delve into the terrorist’s tactical perspective to find vulnerabilities. It will also contribute to develop specific training.

Italy

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Yuppies Services Srl (YS)

Yuppies Services is an engineering SME that operates in the field of architectural/urban built heritage and designs services for their management. The company is organized into four main areas: Facility Management, Engineering Management, Energy Management, and Information Technology. The company has 35 years of experience in researching and developing systems and processes for mapping building datasets across Italy’s public built stock. It has also been actively involved in the creation of digital twins for maintenance purposes and in the application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodologies for integrated asset management. The company primarily works on facilities such as hospitals, places of worship, schools, universities, museums, and administrative buildings. In addition, the company has strong expertise in developing BIM-based technical surveying applications, thanks to collaborations with various IT firms. With decades of experience in technical surveying, BIM modeling, and application development, Yuppies Services has built extensive know-how in collecting and managing large volumes of data, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency and decision-making processes.

Italy

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TECOMS SRL (TECOMS)

Founded in 2003, TECOMS is a consulting, research, and solution provider specializing in security technologies, privacy law, and ethics. With long-standing experience in supporting law enforcement agencies and public institutions through advanced security and intelligence solutions, TECOMS brings its expertise to VIRTUOUS by integrating legal, ethical, and privacy dimensions into risk assessment and protection strategies for places of worship.
 
Through a combination of technological innovation, legal analysis, and operational experience, the contribution ensures that security measures fully respect fundamental rights and European values, strengthening the resilience of religious communities across Europe.

Italy

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FUNDACJA OBSERWATORIUM SPOLECZNE (FOS)

The Social Observatory is a Christian think tank that aims to analyse social reality, new and emerging cultural trends, as well as political and economic ones. The Foundation serves to make social diagnoses, especially recognizing new challenges and dangers, as well as anticipating the way the Church could react to contemporary changes in the spirit of its encounter with the world. The reflections and activities of the Social Observatory are aimed at reinforcing the axiological foundations of society. An important part of the activity of the Social Observatory is the promotion of the social teaching of the Church and the guiding and education of society in accordance with the principles proposed by Catholic social teaching.

Poland

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EUROPE ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION (EIA)

Europe Islamic Association (EIA) – EuroIslam is a leading research organization dedicated to the study of Islam and Muslim communities in Europe. Established to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, social, and political landscapes of Muslims in Europe, our mission is to provide comprehensive insights and analysis that contribute to informed public discourse and policy-making.
 
Our team consists of experts in various fields, including sociology, religious studies, and intercultural dialogue, who collaborate on research projects, publications, and community engagement initiatives. We aim to bridge gaps between academia, policymakers, and the public, ensuring that our findings are accessible and relevant to a wide audience.
 
In the context of this project, EuroIslam will leverage its extensive network of scholars and practitioners to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. Our contributions will include conducting in-depth research on the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslim communities, developing educational resources, and organizing workshops and seminars that promote intercultural understanding.
 
We are committed to promoting a nuanced perspective on Islam in Europe, countering stereotypes, and advocating for the rights and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aspire to contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society where diverse voices are heard and valued.
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CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE DI RICERCA SISTEMICA (CIRS)

CIRS – International Centre for Systemic Research is a non-profit cultural organization committed to evaluating project impacts through well-being indicators (OECD), which reflect the social and civic health of communities.
Its main areas of focus are Citizens’ Health and Social Security.
Among its divisions, CIRS includes a department dedicated to religious cultural mediation and interfaith dialogue.
This unit collaborates closely with Jewish institutions and is led by the prominent Rabbi Scialom Bahbout, who is nationally recognized in Italy.
A central component of CIRS’s work involves Impact Evaluation, a structured process for assessing the effectiveness, influence, and outcomes of strategic interventions.
This includes evaluating how initiatives strengthen the capabilities of security professionals, foster cooperation among law enforcement agencies (LEAs), enhance public awareness, and improve preventive strategies against emerging terrorist threats across Europe.
Within the VIRTUOUS Project, CIRS will conduct an in-depth analysis of terrorist threats targeting places of worship, beginning from the 2020s. The objective is to identify and understand trends by examining the correlation between such attacks and global political developments.
CIRS will also contribute to the creation of three Policy Labs aimed at raising awareness among religious leaders regarding their specific vulnerabilities and at identifying common approaches and solutions for the protection of places of worship, in collaboration with Italian and European law enforcement authorities and public institutions.

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ZANASI ALESSANDRO SRL (Z&P)

Zanasi & Partners is a company leader in Europe in the field of security and defence research and advisory services since 2006. The company has participated in more than 30 research projects under the European Framework Programme (FP7, H2020, PADR, EDIDP, ISF, CIPS, ISAC). Z&P clients include European Commission DGs and international institutions (e.g. ESA, FRONTEX, ENISA, EDA, etc.), national governments (e.g. Italy, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Algeria, etc.), healthcare (e.g. Holostem Terapie Avanzate) and technology companies (e.g. Siemens AG) and large private organisations (e.g. Gruppo Editoriale L’Espresso). Z&P is also a member of ECSO (European Cyber Security Organisation).
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POMPIERS DE L'URGENCE INTERNATIONALE - PUI

Project Coordinator: PUI

POMPIERS DE L’URGENCE INTERNATIONALE (International Emergency Firefighters) is an international humanitarian Association, INSARAG (UN) classified team and recognised as a public utility, dedicated to:
  • Provide rescue assistance and aid to vulnerable populations in need after a natural disaster through the involvement of volunteer rescuers.
  • Strengthen civil protection mechanisms in emerging countries through:
  • multidisciplinary certification of fire fighters and civil security personnel o provision of adapted equipment and vehicles
  • fair assessment of operational and functional mechanisms and action proposals to provide governmental instances with a clear vision of the actual situation,
  • Developing a risk-assessment culture to raise public awareness to natural risks through: situational exercises using an earthquake simulator; access to specialised training and participation in public events.
PUI leads the coordination, ensuring that project deadlines and objectives align with the approved plan.
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