The Republic of Moldova hosted the 25th Strategic Coordination Meeting of National Focal Points from the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe region

During September 29-30, 2025, the National Institute of Justice of the Republic of Moldova hosted the 25th Strategic Coordination Meeting (SRC) of the National Focal Points in the South-East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) region. The two-day meeting took place within the framework of the European Union Initiative on Centers of Excellence for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Reduction (CBRN), with the support of the United Nations Interregional Institute for Crime and Justice Research (UNICRI). The event brought together representatives of national institutions, international partners and regional experts to align efforts, assess progress and discuss strategic approaches to reducing CBRN risks and strengthening security cooperation in the region. Ten National CBRN Focal Points from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine participated in this strategic meeting.

The event was opened by the director of the National Institute of Justice, Ramona Strugariu, who welcomed the delegations of the participating countries and emphasized the active and long-term role of the Republic of Moldova within the Initiative. In her message, the director of the INJ emphasized the value of organizing this meeting and reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to regional collaboration in the field of CBRN risk reduction: "It is an honor to be the host of this important meeting, which marks an essential step in strengthening regional cooperation. We remain firmly committed to promoting security and are prepared to contribute even more to the success of the Initiative."

The participants held discussions focused on the review and validation of the SEEE Regional Action Plan for the period 2026-2030, analyzed current priorities, assessed regional needs and explored opportunities for future projects. At the same time, preparations have begun for the upcoming CBRN Donor Coordination Meeting in the SEEE region, scheduled for 2026, with the aim of strengthening funding mechanisms and stimulating wider cooperation. The meeting ended with the reaffirmation of the joint commitment of all participating countries and institutions to advance a unified and strategic approach to CBRN risk reduction.

Between November 2024 and April 2025, the National Institute of Justice hosted seven training courses within a pilot project carried out under the same Initiative, with the objective of strengthening national capacities in the field of investigation, prosecution and judgment of CBRN cases. The trainings directly contributed to the development of professional expertise in the legal system of the Republic of Moldova and were also extended to participants from a neighboring country, favoring the exchange of knowledge and regional cooperation. The results of the pilot project are to be integrated into the continuous training plan for prosecutors and judges, supporting long-term institutional sustainability. The National Institute of Justice has expressed its willingness to act as a regional platform for similar initiatives and has already taken steps in this direction.

The active participation of the Republic of Moldova in the EU Initiative of CBRN Centers of Excellence is aligned with its national development objectives and the constitutional course of European integration. Continued involvement in such initiatives reflects the country's broader strategic vision for regional stability and security.

The European Union CBRN Risk Reduction Centers of Excellence initiative, jointly implemented by the European Commission and the United Nations Interregional Institute for Crime and Justice Research, is designed to reduce chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks of criminal, accidental or natural origin and promotes regional cooperation through institutional capacity building, policy development and the development of knowledge exchange networks.