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 European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, in collaboration with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and EEAS, co-hosted the event Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Children and Youthin Brussels.
The event offered a platform to connect research with experiences from the field: it combined insights from RC25 presentations, experiences from young beneficiaries and active participants in PCVE programmes both in Europe and abroad.
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
Nearly 100 representatives from 13 African countries (Angola, Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco,Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Tunisia), together with international and regional partners, took part in Africa Shield 2025, the first African counter-proliferation workshop.
- Threat area
- CBRN Risk Mitigation
Environmental crime is estimated as the world’s third most lucrative form of transnational crime, generating up to USD 281 billion annually and threatening both biodiversity and global security.
- Threat area
- Fight against Organised Crime
