European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence: Uzbekistan strengthens its national coordination mechanisms in CBRN risk mitigation

As part of Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to strengthen national coordination mechanisms in the field of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation, the National CBRN Working Group convened on 9 December 2025. This event is organized within the framework of the European Union (EU) CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, funded by the EU, with the support of the EU's CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariat for Central Asia. The meeting participants, representing ministries and agencies engaged in the coordination of CBRN activities, reviewed the progress of CBRN-related work vis-à-vis the Regional CBRN Action Plan for Central Asia and the National CBRN Action Plan for Uzbekistan. Furthermore, governmental stakeholders were introduced to the methodological approach that will be utilized to revise the Regional CBRN Action Plan.

Additionally, national experts presented their work on gap analyses of the regulatory frameworks on radioactive waste management, as well as on drafting normative and regulatory frameworks for managing highly flammable and explosive chemicals, both conducted with EU financial support. These discussions provided valuable insights for shaping the national CBRN priorities, reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to enhancing legislative and regulatory frameworks across CBRN domains. Particular attention was paid to preparations for table-top and field exercises within the framework of EU CBRN CoE project "CBRN Table-Top and Field Exercises, Simulations, Training (TEST) to Mitigate Risks - Project 106." The experts exchanged views on scenario development, organizational aspects, and agreed on further steps to ensure effective cooperation.

The event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss key priorities, and develop specific recommendations for improving security in Central Asia.

About the National Action Plans: The National Action Plans (NAPs) are country-led strategic documents that define a national vision and priorities for mitigating CBRN risks. Developed within the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence initiative, they guide coordinated, sustainable capacity-building efforts through training, technical support and tailored projects funded by the EU. NAPs identify specific needs, set clear objectives, and serve as roadmaps for strengthening CBRN governance. They also promote inter-agency coordination and collaboration with partners .

About Regional Actions Plans: The Regional Action Plans are strategic frameworks developed jointly by countries within each region to address CBRN risks through national ownership, regional cooperation and demand-driven priorities. Under the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Initiative, they guide tailored activities such as training, legal development and joint exercises to build a shared culture of safety. These plans respond to evolving threats - from illicit trafficking to industrial sabotage - while promoting a bottom-up, all-hazards approach that strengthens local and regional capacities.

About the European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE): The EU CBRN CoE initiativeis 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 CBRN 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. Other relevant International and/or Regional Organisations and experts also contribute to the Initiative. The initiative brings together 63 countries that cooperate at regional and international level to strengthen CBRN risk mitigation and to promote a global culture of safety and security. The CoE network supports the mitigation of and preparedness against CBRN risks by fostering good governance in the domain, enhancing regional and international multi-agency cooperation, and facilitating the transfer of best practices, among others. The bottom-up and demand-oriented nature of the activities carried out within the network, ensure that the support provided is sustainably tailored to countries' and regions' needs. Together, the CoE network members advance towards the shared goal of making the world a safer place.