EU helping South-East Asia to develop action plan for CBRN risks

Vientiane hosted the 24th National Focal Points Regional Strategic Coordination Meeting for South-East Asia from April 28-30. The meeting was organised by the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE) and aimed to bring together national representatives and experts from South-East Asian partner countries to discuss progress on CBRN risk mitigation efforts, assess ongoing EU-supported initiatives, and explore regional cooperation opportunities. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maythong Thammavongsa, and Ambassador of the European Union to Laos, Mark Gallagher. Maythong said the meeting was to provide updates on the Regional Secretariat’s and partner countries’ latest activities, exchange ideas on potential future regional projects, and discuss progress on the national implementation of CBRN National Action Plans. He added the intent of exploring potential areas for further cooperation and various assistance programmes under the EU CBRN CoE projects. After the opening remarks, participants presented updates on their respective countries’ actions and achievements related to CRBN risk mitigation. The meeting highlighted constant progress in implementing CBRN National Action Plans and discussed strategic priorities. Several discussions were on the proposal to develop a Regional Action Plan to enhance regional cooperation on shared CRBN risks and emerging threats.
Laos, the hosting country, has benefited from several projects promoted by the EU CBRN CoE in the past. These include the Sound Management of Chemicals and Their Associated Wastes in South-East Asia (2017-2023), Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods in South-East Asia (2021-2024), and Enhanced Biosecurity in South-East Asia (2019-2025). Currently, the country is working on a project titled On-Site Technical Assistance to the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariats (2023-2026).