Strengthening CBRN investigation, prosecution and adjudication capabilities in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans countries strengthened their capacity to address CBRN-related crime through a comprehensive training programme, enhancing investigation, prosecution and adjudication capabilities under the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative.

The risks posed by CBRN incidents require strong coordination between law enforcement, judicial authorities and technical experts, particularly in a context of evolving security challenges.

To address these risks, a comprehensive CBRN Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication (IPA) capacity-building programme was implemented across the Western Balkans, focusing on strengthening legal, investigative and judicial responses. The programme was funded by the European Union and organized within the framework of the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative, with the support of United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute UNICRI.

The programme unfolded through a structured series of activities:

• Table Top Exercise (4–5 November 2025, Sarajevo)
• CBRN Criminalisation Workshop (6–7 November 2025, Sarajevo)
• Building a Case for Prosecution Training (1–5 December 2025, Skopje)
• Mock Trial (3–6 February 2026, Podgorica)
• Train-the-Trainer Programme (17–19 March 2026, Sarajevo)

National ownership and international co-operation

The initiative was launched following a request by Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, to the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments Service, demonstrating strong national ownership.

The programme engaged Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, bringing together investigators, prosecutors, judges, forensic experts and laboratories in a coordinated, multi-agency approach.

Contributions from international partners - including the European Union (EU), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) - ensured a comprehensive and globally aligned framework, reinforcing cooperation across national and international levels.

Results and impact

The programme strengthened inter-agency cooperation and enhanced the ability of national authorities to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate CBRN-related crimes. It improved coordination across the justice and security chain and supported alignment with European Union standards.

A key outcome was the preparation of 17 national trainers — comprising prosecutors, judges and law enforcement officials — designated to deliver follow-up training. The Train-the-Trainer component equipped participants with practical skills in instructional methodologies, course design and delivery, enabling the integration of training into national curricula.

The initiative also promoted gender balance and fostered a unified regional approach, reinforcing preparedness and institutional capacity to respond to complex CBRN threats.

Strengthening capacity for the future: A regional impact

Building on this programme, participating countries are integrating the training into national systems, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued capacity development.

The approach also demonstrates strong potential for replication in other regions. Recent developments, including similar training integration in Ukraine, highlight the growing momentum of international cooperation in strengthening CBRN preparedness.

Through their continued commitment, the countries of the Western Balkans demonstrate the importance of sustained cooperation in preventing and responding to complex chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related threats.

Background

This action was funded by the European Union through the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative.

This activity contributes to ongoing efforts under the EU CBRN CoE Initiative to strengthen partner countries’ capacities in investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating CBRN crimes. It supports the development of sustainable national training systems, enhances inter-agency cooperation and promotes alignment with international standards.

To know more: EU Global Threats Programme – EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative

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