On 6 May 2023, the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EU CBRN CoE) Risk Mitigation Initiative showcased its projects implemented in Central Asia during the Europe Day Festival organized by the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
The EU CBRN CoE Risk Mitigation Initiative was represented by its Regional Secretariat for Central Asia. The Secretariat presented its achievements within the region, focusing on past and ongoing regional and interregional projects; cooperation with partner countries in the region; table-top and field exercises; and cooperation with key international, regional, and national organizations and stakeholders.
The Festival also served as a platform to showcase the accomplishments of two projects, namely Project 53 “Strengthening the National Legal Framework and Provision of Specialized Training on Bio-Safety and Bio-Security in Central Asian and South-East and Eastern European Countries”, and Project 87 “Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia (PRECA).” These projects were successfully implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).
At the Festival, the experts from the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Epidemiology, Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (RSSPMCEMIPD) and the Research Institute of Virology (RIV) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan showcased the capabilities of the mobile laboratory equipment provided by Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB). This equipment was made available as part of Project 53 under the EU’s CBRN CoE Initiative. The demonstration highlighted the advanced features and functionalities of the mobile laboratory, emphasizing its significance in strengthening bio-safety measures.
Overall, the event featured the participation of over 35 EU technical assistance projects, each showcasing their work in various areas. These projects focused on education and skills development; employability in rural areas and agriculture; inclusive, digital, and green growth; climate protection and environment; human rights; and energy efficiency in Uzbekistan.
Background information:
The EU CBRN CoE Initiative 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 an all-hazards security governance in Partner Countries of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. The EU support is provided to implement a wide range of CBRN risk mitigation activities including needs and risk assessments, national and regional action plans, capacity building activities, legal framework reviews, table top and real time (including cross-border) field exercises, inter-regional exchange of best practices and lessons learnt.
Funded and implemented through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe, the Initiative 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. Other relevant International and/or Regional Organisations and experts also contribute to the Initiative, which represents the EU’s largest civilian external security programme.
