Context

The EU is enhancing of its relationship with Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon and is committed to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. The EU seeks to help these countries develop into a stable, democratic, politically open and economically strong neighbour. It also aims to provide a platform to talk about difficult issues, including the promotion of security, the cooperation in countering terrorism and arms proliferation, and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The EU has developed a close partnership with Jordan, a country that aims to act as a force of moderation and reform in a region in political turmoil. The relationship emphasises close cooperation on democratic reform and economic modernisation. The EU aims to assist Jordan in the implementation of its home grown reform process. The legal basis for the EU - Jordan relationship is the Association Agreement. 

Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon are members of the United Nations, parties to the international non-proliferation treaties and conventions (including Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention). The countries in the Middle East are facing immense problems driven not only by political, economic and social stresses but also by environmental, population, climate and food stresses. The economic and social impact assessments of the Syrian conflict and the ISIS crisis show that Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon are struggling with a large and growing crisis. The sudden influx of refugees has affected the neighbouring countries’ economies and societies. The duration and magnitude of the crisis is uncertain.

In the field of civil protection and CBRN security, all of the countries in this region, have intensified cooperation with each other and are willing to exchange best practices with the EU in the field of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) disaster (natural and man-made) prevention, preparedness and response.

Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to achieve enhanced CBRN protection of specific critical physical and virtual assets in the region.