40 Years After Chornobyl: From Lessons Learned to Global Resilience

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.

Across regions, the EU supports:

• National and regional coordination on CBRN risk management
• Practical training and simulations to sharpen response capabilities
• Knowledge-sharing to build expertise and trust
• Targeted projects to tackle challenges

CBRN risks are global, but so is our resilience. By investing in partnerships worldwide, the EU helps protect populations, reduce the risk of crises escalating, and build a safer future for all.

Chornobyl taught us the cost of being unprepared. Today, cooperation, expertise, and shared commitment are our strongest defences.

Together, we are building a more secure and resilient world. 

This is #EUForeignPolicy in action!