Within the framework of the European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative, a regional Action Plan Workshop for the Middle East was organized by the Regional CBRN CoE Secretariat with the support of UNICRI from 09-11 July 2024 in Amman, Jordan. The event, aimed to discuss the Regional Action Plan (RAP) to develop a comprehensive framework to address the multifaceted challenges posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats in the region.
The CBRN CoE Secretariat plays a major role in achieving the objectives of the CBRN CoE by ensuring cooperation and coordination among the three Partner Countries namely Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. The Regional Secretariat also provides support with the engagement of regional and international partners, and other stakeholders in CBRN risk mitigation. It contributes to building local ownership and greater sustainability of the CBRN CoE network. One of the major tasks of the Secretariat is to support partner countries and the region to draft action plans. The workshop represented an important opportunity to conduct regional risk assessment according to a scenario-based approach and to define the priorities and needs of the Regional Action Plan. Based on a thorough assessment of the existing resources and needs the RAP defines actions and measures to foster the capabilities in the region and to address needs in CBRN risk mitigation.
The Middle East Region was one of the first within this global initiative to elaborate a CBRN Regional Action Plan in 2018. Several priorities were implemented. The Regional Secretariat is now developing its update and review in close consultation with relevant stakeholders. RAP 2025-2023 is a common strategic vision for the region, highlighting regional needs and priorities, as well as available capabilities and assets
The workshop gathered representatives from the three Partner Countries: the National Focal Points and one other member of the National Team for each Partner Country, two On-Site Technical Assistance (OSA) experts from the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council, in addition to the team leader of Project 94, a representative of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, and a representative from the Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global (Ms. Farrah Mufleh).
The three-day event featured risk assessment, interactive discussions, and practical sessions to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing CBRN risks.
A dynamic world café focused on challenges and remedies about the sustainability of CBRN capabilities, the implementation of a NAP/RAP, and the establishment of an outreach strategy. Breakout sessions were conducted to collect inputs and discuss issues relevant to regional needs and strategies for sustaining CBRN capabilities.
The final day of the workshop focused on developing effective outreach and sustainability strategies. Presentations and case studies from Lebanon highlighted the importance of partnerships and regional cooperation. Concluding discussions emphasized the importance of integrating regional priorities into a cohesive strategy, and implementing an outreach strategy at national and regional levels, as a key element for the engagement of external actors and partners
About the EU CBRN CoE Initiative
The European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) is a global Initiative funded and implemented by the European Union as part of its goal to promote peace, stability, and conflict prevention. The aim of the Initiative is to mitigate risks and strengthen all-azards security governance in Partner Countries of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. The EU CBRN RN CoE is led by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS). The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides technical support to Partner Countries, while the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ensures a coherent and effective national, regional and international cooperation. The initiative involves 64 countries in 8 regions of the world.
