North Macedonia initiates process to renew CBRN national risk mitigation strategy in 2024

The development of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) National Action Plan is essential to enable countries to define their priority activities to strengthen their CBRN risk mitigation. This key document guides countries in identifying the specific areas that require immediate attention or strategic planning to effectively address CBRN threats within and across their borders.

In the ever-changing landscape of CBRN risks and threats, it is of paramount importance that countries continuously assess the progress made, as well as the emerging challenges, to ensure a cohesive and holistic approach to CBRN safety and security.

A trailblazer in aligning national priorities with broader regional goals

Recognising the need for strategic recalibration, the North Macedonia’s CBRN National Coordination Body convened recently to initiate the renewal of its CBRN National Action Plan, which set out the country’s priorities in CBRN risk mitigation until 2022. Expected to be completed and submitted to the government’s approval in 2024, the new Plan will integrate the priorities outlined in the South East and Eastern Europe CBRN Regional Action Plan, a first-time endeavor in this region.

The updating process of North Macedonia’s CBRN National Action Plan started in December 2023 with the launching of a comprehensive CBRN national needs assessment to identify existing gaps in CBRN risk mitigation and subsequently validate priorities.  27 members of North Macedonia’s CBRN National Coordination Body participated in a two-day workshop (14-15 December 2023) that resulted in the establishment of the skeletal framework that will define the renewed CBRN National Action Plan.

With the skeletal framework in place, the next phase will involve collaboration with various national stakeholders to verify priorities. This inclusive process will ensure that the National Action Plan reflects all relevant entities' collective wisdom and insights, fostering a cohesive and holistic approach to CBRN safety and security.

A commitment to a safer and more secure future through CBRN risk mitigation

As one of the EU CBRN CoE Partner Countries, North Macedonia has strategically positioned itself as a key contributor to the collective CBRN risk mitigation efforts in the South East and Eastern Europe region.

The cornerstone of North Macedonia's commitment is the CBRN National Coordination Body, established in 2012 as an inter-agency national team. Over the course of 11 years in service, this body has diligently crafted the CBRN National Strategy and the National Action Plan.

Having participated in ten CoE projects, North Macedonia is currently engaged in four projects. The goal of the active projects range from the strengthening of front line biosafety and biosecurity measures, to preventing biological risks increased by environmental and climate change, or the enhancement of CBRN medical preparedness and response capabilities.

For further information on how the EU CBRN CoE is strengthening CBRN risk mitigation in South East and Eastern Europe, visit the SEEE Regional Secretariat page.