The EU Global Threats programme is one of the European Union’s key initiatives to tackle major security threats around the world: from terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks, and threats to maritime security, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks, and growing security risks linked to climate change.
Through a wide range of projects and facilities, we support partner countries and communities in building stronger institutions, preventing crises and promoting long-term peace and stability. The EU Global Threats programme is managed by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), putting EU foreign policy into action.
The EU Global Threats programme covers five key threat areas.
The EU Global Threats programme is promoting peace and stability through multiple projects.
Threats don’t stop at borders. Discover where the EU Global Threats programme is active.
Visual stories
On 26 April 1986, the Chornobyl disaster released radioactive material across Europe, leaving deep scars on communities and the environment. Yet from this tragedy emerged a critical lesson: CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) risks know no borders, and only through cooperation can we prevent and prepare for such threats.
Over the past 15 years the EU has turned those lessons into action. Through the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence, the EU has built a global network across 63 countries, united by a shared vision: global cooperation, responsible innovation, and adaptive governance.
In the spotlight
Each month, we feature one project from the EU Global Threats programme in our In the Spotlight section. This way, we highlight how EU action impacts people’s lives and translates into meaningful change on the ground.
This month, we’re focusing on EU CRIMARIO III, a multi-regional project strengthening maritime security across the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and beyond. Building on the IORIS information-sharing platform, the project enhances maritime domain awareness, inter-agency cooperation and operational coordination to counter piracy, armed robbery at sea, drug trafficking and other maritime threats.
Event highlight
The EU Crime Fighting Week 2026 brought partners together in Brussels to examine latest trends in organised crime and discuss how to ensure rule-of-law approaches and tech savvy responses. A week focused on action, trust and the rule of law. Fighting organised crime is not only a matter of enforcement, but also of legitimacy, public trust and institutional resilience.
A large-scale multi-country exercise was conducted in the border city of Ungheni, Moldova under the auspices of the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence Project 106 – Tabletops, Exercises, Simulations and Trainings (TEST).
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
From chemicals and drones to software and semiconductors, dual-use items are part of everyday life—but they can also pose serious security risks. When misused, these goods can contribute to the development of weapons, fuel conflicts, or enable terrorism.
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
Libya has taken a major step in enhancing its safety and security protocols by formally approving its first-ever Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) National Action Plan (NAP).
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
- EU CBRN CoE Region
- NAS - North Africa and Sahel
As technological, environmental and security challenges evolve, countries increasingly rely on joint frameworks, shared standards and cross-border coordination to prevent, detect and respond to CBRN threats.
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
Preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and disrupting the financial networks that sustain them are core elements of global security. As proliferation financing schemes grow, coordinated international action and strong national control systems are increasingly important.
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
