The EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative is funded and implemented by the European Union through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe.

The aim of the Initiative is to support Partner Countries and regions in strengthening CBRN risk mitigation and an all-hazards security governance, following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. Under the responsibility of CBRN National Focal Points and their inter-ministerial CBRN National Teams, EU support is provided to implement a wide range of CBRN risk mitigation activities including needs and risk assessments, national and regional action plans, training, Train the Trainer modules, table top and real time (including cross-border) field exercises, in all Partner Countries (62) and Regional Secretariats (8).

The Initiative is led by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS). The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides technical support to Partner Countries, while the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ensures a coherent and effective national, regional and international cooperation. Other relevant International and/or Regional Organisations and experts also contribute to the Initiative, which represents the EU’s largest civilian external security programme.