PROJECT 101: Enhance CBRN Critical Infrastructure Protection and Security in South East and Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions

Context

Major industrial accidents of the past, such as the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (Ukraine, 1986), the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India, 1984), or the Beirut Explosion (Lebanon. 2020), demonstrate the major, long-term public health, environmental and economic risks of such incidents at CBRN facilities.

Additionally, the invasion of Russia into Ukraine has highlighted the risks when CBRN Facilities come under attack, and how this can be used for terroristic or extortion purposes. Furthermore, the risk of disastrous incidents is increasing as rogue states, criminal enterprises and terroristic groups are becoming ever more sophisticated and aggressive in hacking operational systems at CBRN facilities.

Overall objective

To strengthen and enhance protection and security measures for national CBRN Critical Infrastructure facilities and practices in the SEEE, CA and MIE partner countries, to ensure minimization of consequences of attacks/breaches at such facilities.

Specific objectives

1. Strengthen horizontal coordination between different state organizations responsible for protection and security of CBRN facilities.
2. Enhance risk assessment of CBRN Critical Infrastructure facilities.
3. Enhance physical and (cyber-)security capabilities/capacities.
4. Stimulate exchange of best practices and networking.

Activities

1. Establish policy, methodologies, guidelines and protocols on identification and classification of components of National CBRN Critical Infrastructure.
2. Develop risk assessment tools and perform pilot assessments in each partner country of a CBRN Critical Infrastructure facility.
3. Formulate guide on general design of physical protection, (cyber-)security & operational systems.
4. Develop decision-making framework on how to respond to protection and security (including cyber-security) threats.
5. Identify equipment and software needs for upgrading physical protection and (cyber-)security & operational systems.
6. Provide practical trainings and exercises on protection, operational security (including cyber-security).
7. Foster networking of national and regional CBRN critical infrastructure protection and security.
8. Stimulate sharing of good practices based on relevant EU and partner countries institution’s experiences.

Achievements

The project is at inception phase.