The EU’s CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative After 6 Years

Summary:

The Centres of Excellence (COE) initiative began in 2010 as a new methodology for providing technical assistance to countries outside the European Union (EU) in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation. The initiative was designed as a ‘bottom-up’ methodology that combines a (trans-) regional networking approach with national needs assessments and action plans developed by the partner countries, and a project delivery system to transfer EU expertise in a tailored manner to partner countries. Eight Regional Secretariats were established and partner countries were encouraged to (a) form National CBRN Teams to develop an all-hazards, all-government approach; and (b) identify and articulate their specifi c needs and priorities with regard to CBRN risk mitigation. This system has matured since 2010 and several evaluations have confi rmed its potential as an effective capacity-building platform that builds on ownership,
partnership and coordination with other donors.

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