(KPL) Vientian, 28 April 2025, The 24th National Focal Points Regional Strategic Coordination Meeting for Southeast Asia, organized under the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE), concluded today in Vientiane after three days of intensive discussions.

The gathering brought together representatives from Southeast Asian partner countries to assess progress in CBRN risk mitigation, review ongoing EU-funded projects, and explore future regional initiatives to strengthen national CBRN action plans. 

Deputy Foreign Minister of Laos, H.E. Maythong Thammavongsa, alongside H.E. Mark Gallagher, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Laos, and USec. Florece Bernardo Jr., Head of the EU CBRN CoE Secretariat for Southeast Asia, opened the meeting with calls for enhanced collaboration. 

Participants reviewed key achievements in capacity-building and identified priority interventions for 2025. Discussions also centered on the development of a Regional Action Plan to address shared CBRN threats, including emerging risks, security challenges, and crisis response strategies. 

Marking the initiative’s 15th anniversary, delegates reflected on 15 years of regional cooperation since the EU CBRN CoE’s launch in 2010. The meeting highlighted successes in strengthening preparedness against CBRN incidents—whether deliberate, accidental, or natural—while exploring ways to deepen international partnerships. 

The meeting underscored the importance of strategic collaboration in tackling evolving CBRN threats. By fostering dialogue among national focal points, the event helped align regional priorities and identify future opportunities for risk reduction in Southeast Asia. 

The EU CBRN CoE initiative continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing global security through capacity-building and cross-border cooperation.

KPL