Uzbekistan strengthens its national coordination mechanisms in CBRN risk mitigation

This event is organised within the framework of the European Union (EU) CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, funded by the EU, and supported by the EU CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Central Asia. It brought together representatives from ministries and agencies responsible for coordinating CBRN-related activities in Uzbekistan.

Participants reviewed progress in implementing CBRN priorities in line with both the Regional CBRN Action Plan for Central Asia and the National CBRN Action Plan for Uzbekistan. In this context, governmental stakeholders:

• assessed achievements and outstanding challenges across CBRN domains;
• discussed alignment between regional and national priorities; and
• were introduced to the methodological approach to be used for revising the Regional CBRN Action Plan.

The meeting also provided a platform for national experts to present EU-supported work on strengthening regulatory frameworks. This included:

• gap analyses of existing legislation on radioactive waste management; and
• progress on drafting normative and regulatory frameworks for the management of highly flammable and explosive chemicals.

These exchanges offered valuable input for refining national CBRN priorities and reinforced Uzbekistan’s commitment to enhancing legislative and regulatory frameworks in line with international and EU standards.

Particular attention was devoted to preparations for table-top and field exercises under the EU CBRN CoE project “CBRN Table-Top and Field Exercises, Simulations, Training (TEST) to Mitigate Risks – Project 106”. Experts exchanged views on scenario development, organisational aspects, and agreed on further steps to ensure effective cooperation.

Overall, the event facilitated the exchange of experience, helped identify key priorities, and supported the development of concrete recommendations to strengthen CBRN risk mitigation and security cooperation in Central Asia.

About the National Action Plans

The National Action Plans (NAPs) are country-led strategic documents that define a national vision and priorities for mitigating CBRN risks. Developed within the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence initiative, they guide coordinated, sustainable capacity-building efforts through training, technical support and tailored projects funded by the EU. NAPs identify specific needs, set clear objectives, and serve as roadmaps for strengthening CBRN governance. They also promote inter-agency coordination and collaboration with partners.

About Regional Actions Plans

The Regional Action Plans are strategic frameworks developed jointly by countries within each region to address CBRN risks through national ownership, regional cooperation and demand-driven priorities. Under the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Initiative, they guide tailored activities such as training, legal development and joint exercises to build a shared culture of safety. These plans respond to evolving threats - from illicit trafficking to industrial sabotage - while promoting a bottom-up, all-hazards approach that strengthens local and regional capacities.