The EU CBRN CoE Risk Mitigation Initiative is a European Union initiative jointly implemented by the EU Directorate General (DG) Development and Cooperation – EuropeAid (DEVCO), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The EU CBRN CoE is developed by the European Union through the EU Instrument for Stability with a budget of 95 million Euros for 2009 – 2013.

The Initiative aims to mitigate CBRN risks of criminal, accidental or natural origin by promoting a coherent policy, improving coordination and preparedness at national and regional levels and by offering a comprehensive approach covering legal, scientific, enforcement and technical issues. The Initiative mobilizes national, regional and international resources to develop a coherent CBRN policy at all levels, thereby aiming to ensure an effective response.

The Initiative is based on networking, regional and international partnerships. It consolidates and optimises existing capabilities while increasing local ownership, local expertise and long-term sustainability. It addresses regional CBRN needs through tailored projects and aims at strengthening policies, institutional capacity building at both regional and national levels as well as a regional culture of safety and security.

The Initiative involves over 50 countries and has been launched in 8 different regions of the world, namely: African Atlantic Façade; Central Asia; Eastern and Central Africa; Gulf Cooperation Council Countries; Middle East; North Africa; South East Asia; South East Europe, Southern Caucasus, Moldova and Ukraine.