Mock trial cycle advances EU–MENA judicial cooperation in counter-terrorism

The mock trial training cycle delivered under the CT INFLOW project has been completed, strengthening cooperation between judicial and law enforcement authorities from the European Union and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Between 2023 and 2026, eight mock trial activities brought together more than 150 judicial and law enforcement officials from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. These activities aimed to enhance their capacity to investigate and adjudicate counter-terrorism cases while supporting cross-border judicial cooperation.

Mock trials are immersive training activities that simulate court proceedings in a structured learning environment. Built around imaginative yet realistic counter-terrorism case scenarios, they enable participants to apply their existing knowledge and use new insights delivered through expert presentations. Through this “learning by doing” approach, practitioners gain hands-on experience in areas such as evidence collection and assessment, legal argumentation, witness testimony and international cooperation.

This peer-to-peer approach helped build networks and foster mutual understanding, contributing to more effective cross-border collaboration between EU and MENA partners.

“Despite the differences between national legal systems across the EU and MENA, shared knowledge, practical experience and professional perspectives proved that we think alike when it comes to justice and security issues. The dedication and openness of all participants clearly showed that we share a common goal of enhancing capacity for successfully fighting terrorism and contributing to a safer world,” said Ksenija Krizman, CT INFLOW Project Manager.

A key outcome of the mock trial cycle is the development of the Guidelines in the counter-terrorism dimension for the judiciary, which translates lessons learned and practitioner feedback into a set of recommendations. The guidelines consolidate practical insights from the exercises and highlight operational challenges, legislative discrepancies and training needs identified during the activities.

Through the completion of the mock trial cycle and the development of the guidelines, the CT INFLOW project continues to support knowledge-sharing, professional networking, and trust-building among practitioners, reinforcing international cooperation in counter-terrorism matters.