EU CBRN CoE shares outlook for strengthening local capacities at global CBRN risk mitigation forum

On 20 March 2025, Expertise France, the French public agency for international technical cooperation, convened a high-level event in Paris focused on strengthening global responses to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks. The forum brought together national authorities, international organisations, technical experts and project implementers to exchange knowledge and reinforce cross-sectoral collaboration.

The event served as a unique platform to explore challenges and solutions in CBRN risk governance, crisis preparedness, and the protection of populations, ecosystems and critical infrastructure. It also encouraged dialogue across sectors and regions, in line with growing calls for inclusive, locally driven approaches to global security.

Regional outlook and priorities

In a session dedicated to building the capacity of local players, Louis Dey, Regional Focal Point for the EU Global Threats and Challenges Programme at the EU Delegation to Kenya, delivered an outlook on behalf of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative

Drawing from the experience of East and Central Africa, he highlighted the Initiative’s efforts to support national CBRN action plans, facilitate regional collaboration, and foster long-term partnerships. Mr. Dey acknowledged both the progress made in developing regulatory frameworks, as seen in Kenya, and the challenges that remain in translating plans into action.

“We work with a large network globally, and follow progress closely to ensure that efforts are not only well-targeted but also sustainable,” Dey stated.

His intervention reaffirmed the Initiative’s commitment to local ownership, cross-border coordination, and peer-to-peer support as pillars of effective CBRN risk mitigation. By addressing gaps, encouraging institutional cooperation, and reinforcing local capacity, the EU CBRN CoE is helping to build the foundations for strong national systems that are fully embedded in regional and international cooperation frameworks.

A platform for international cooperation on CBRN risk mitigation

The RDV Expertise 2025 event featured a diverse line-up of speakers and sessions, focusing on key aspects of CBRN risk mitigation such as international regulatory governance and local capacity-building. Discussions addressed how national and international actors can work together to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response to CBRN threats, with a strong emphasis on cooperation and institutional engagement.

Participants shared case studies and operational lessons from across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The multi-stakeholder format facilitated a rich exchange of perspectives, fostering productive discussions on scaling up impact, mobilising resources, and enhancing community protection against evolving CBRN threats.

EU CBRN Risk Mitigation: Building a safer and more secure world

Funded and implemented by the European Union, with the support of UNICRI, the EU CBRN CoE is the EU’s largest civilian external security programme, aimed at building a safer and more secure world by strengthening partner countries’ capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to CBRN risks.

The Initiative brings together 63 partner countries across 8 regions, fostering collaboration at national, regional and international levels. Since its launch in 2010, over 100 EU-funded projects have supported legal frameworks, institutional development, technical training, and multi-agency coordination to promote a global culture of CBRN safety and security.

Visit the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation page to learn more about the EU CBRN CoE and other EU flagship initiatives strengthening CBRN safety and security worldwide.