On 29-30 September 2025, The National Institute of Justice of the Republic of Moldova hosted the 25th Strategic Coordination Meeting (SCM) of National Focal Points from the South East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) region. Two-day meeting, held under the framework of the European Union’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative with the support of UNICRI. The event brought together institutional representatives, international partners, and regional experts to align efforts, review progress, and discuss strategic approaches to mitigating CBRN risks and enhancing security cooperation in the region. Ten CBRN National Focal Points from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine took part in this strategic coordination meeting.
The event was officially opened by the Director of the National Institute of Justice, Ms. Ramona Strugariu who welcomed delegations from ten countries and emphasized Moldova’s active and long-standing role within the Initiative. In her opening speech, Strugariu underlined the significance of hosting this milestone meeting and reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to regional collaboration in the field of CBRN risk mitigation, stating, “It is an honor for the Republic of Moldova to host this important meeting, which marks a crucial step in strengthening regional cooperation. We remain firmly committed to promoting security and stand ready to contribute even further to the success of the Initiative.”
Participants engaged in discussions focused on the review and validation of the SEEE Regional Action Plan for the period of 2026-2030. They examined current priorities, assessed regional needs, and explored future project opportunities. Preparations also began for the upcoming 2026 Regional CBRN Donors Coordination Meeting of the SEEE region, aimed at strengthening funding mechanisms and fostering broader cooperation. The meeting concluded with a shared reaffirmation of commitment by all participating countries and institutions to continue advancing a unified, strategic approach to CBRN risk mitigation.
From November 2024 to April 2025, the National Institute of Justice hosted seven training courses as part of a pilot project under the same Initiative, aimed at strengthening national capacities in CBRN investigation, prosecution, and adjudication. These trainings contributed directly to building professional expertise within Moldova’s legal system and were also extended to participants from a neighboring country, enhancing regional knowledge exchange and cooperation. The pilot’s outcomes will be embedded into the Continuous Training Plan for prosecutors and judges, supporting long-term institutional sustainability. The host institution has expressed its readiness to act as a regional platform for similar future initiatives and has already taken steps in that direction.
Moldova’s active participation in the EU CBRN CoE Initiative aligns with its national development goals and its constitutionally established path toward European integration. Continued engagement in such initiatives reflects the country’s broader strategic vision for regional stability and security.
The EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative, jointly implemented by the European Commission and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), is designed to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks of criminal, accidental, or natural origin. It promotes regional cooperation through institutional capacity building, policy development, and knowledge-sharing networks.
