Strengthening CBRN safety in Southeast and Eastern Europe: a unified regional approach

The safe handling of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials is essential to protecting public health, national security, and regional stability. While these materials have beneficial applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, they also pose significant risks when mismanaged or used maliciously. With growing geopolitical challenges and evolving threats, strengthening regional cooperation and preparedness is more critical than ever.

In view of this, National Focal Points from the Southeast and Eastern Europe region convened in North Macedonia from 19 to 21 March 2025 for a Strategic Coordination Meeting. The event gathered experts and officials from ten countries part of the Southeast and Eastern Europe Regional Secretariat alongside international partners to share successes, assess emerging risks, and reinforce regional coordination on CBRN safety and security.

Enhancing national preparedness through strategic action

North Macedonia, as the host country, presented its CBRN National Coordination Body and National Action Plan, showcasing best practices in interagency cooperation and emergency response planning. These frameworks have significantly enhanced national preparedness, serving as a model for other Southeast and Eastern Europe countries striving to establish effective CBRN risk mitigation structures.

The meeting also featured an annual progress update from the National Focal Points, highlighting strides made through the European Union CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative. The EU CBRN CoE has played a pivotal role in supporting countries to tailor national policies, develop infrastructure, and align their strategies with international standards. However, common regional challenges persist, including the need for advanced detection technologies, enhanced biosafety measures, and improved cross-border coordination.

Adapting to emerging threats and future challenges

A major focus of the meeting was the mid-term review of the Southeast and Eastern Europe CBRN Regional Action Plan, initially developed in 2022. The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since then, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has introduced new CBRN security risks. The review underscored the urgency of updating the Regional Action Plan to address potential threats, including illicit trafficking of hazardous materials, the risk of industrial sabotage, and vulnerabilities in nuclear and chemical facilities.

The revised Regional Action Plan will integrate these emerging risks while phasing out previously addressed priorities. This dynamic approach ensures that regional strategies remain relevant and responsive. The updated plan will be formally validated during the next Strategic Coordination Meeting, reinforcing Southeast and Eastern Europe’s commitment to collective security.

Innovative projects and capacity building initiatives

In addition to policy advancements, the meeting introduced key projects designed to enhance regional CBRN response capabilities:

• e-Novation Project: Focused on equipping first responders with cutting-edge technologies to detect and neutralize CBRN threats efficiently.
• Food Safety and Defense Initiative: Set to launch in 2026, this program will safeguard food supply chains from contamination risks, bolstering national and regional food security.
• EU CBRN CoE Projects: Ongoing initiatives such as Project 88 (Medical Preparedness), Project 100 (Biosafety and Biosecurity), and Project 110 (One Health Secure) continue to strengthen Southeast and Eastern Europe’s resilience against CBRN-related public health threats.

Strengthening regional cooperation through field exercises

Looking ahead, the Border Shield 2025 regional field exercise will take place in October 2025. This large-scale simulation, marking the 15th anniversary of the EU CBRN CoE Initiative, will engage all ten countries members of the Southeast and Eastern Europe Regional Secretariat in a coordinated response to a simulated cross-border CBRN incident. The exercise will test emergency response protocols, foster interagency collaboration, and enhance operational readiness, reinforcing the region’s capacity to manage real-world CBRN threats.

Sustaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact

The meeting concluded with the election of a new Deputy Head of the Southeast and Eastern Europe CBRN Regional Secretariat, ensuring continuity in regional leadership. As Southeast and Eastern Europe moves forward, sustained investment in strategic planning, innovation, and capacity-building remains crucial to mitigating evolving CBRN risks. Through coordinated efforts and continued regional engagement, the region is well-positioned to uphold CBRN safety and security in an increasingly complex global landscape.

To learn more about the EU CBRN CoE support to CBRN risk mitigation in South East and Eastern Europe, visit the Regional Secretariat page.