Publication

This paper outlines the development and the state of the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence (COE) Initiative. It describes the legal framework underpinning the EU CBRN risk-mitigation actions and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the COE Initiative. It argues that the EU member states’ support for the initiative and the appreciation demonstrated by international organizations and other interested stakeholders should help ensure the continuity of the actions currently being undertaken by the EU to control the proliferation of CBRN materials.