European Union experts on explosives and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) security gather in Lithuania

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Experts from all 28 EU countries met from 24 to 27 September 2013 in Vilnius, for the European Explosive Ordnance Disposal Network (EEODN) Conference and Training on Explosives & CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear).

Over 70 specialists including bomb technicians, investigators and CBRN experts participated in two conferences on explosives and CBRN, followed by a training activity. In addition to representatives from EU Member States, participating experts came from Norway, Switzerland and international agencies like Europol, European Police College (CEPOL), European Commission, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Interpol.

On the first day, participants shared their expertise on recent attacks involving the use of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The second day focused on incidents involving the use of CBRN substances and the exchange of best practices and capabilities to defeat CBRN threats. This was followed by a training activity on the detection of and response to improvised explosive devices.

The conference was held under the umbrella of the EU-based network EEODN (European Explosive Ordnance Disposal Network), which aims to strengthen knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices between the countries of the European Union on explosives and CBRN issues.

The EEODN, which was created by Europol in 2008, is an important part of the European Commission's Action Plans on Enhancing the Security of Explosives and on CBRN. The inclusion of EEODN activities in CEPOL’s training portfolio further contributes to strengthened cooperation between Member States and facilitates Europol’s aim to continue enhancing security in the field of explosives and CBRN, sharing best practices among the EU Member States’ experts.

These activities were made possible through co-funding from Europol and CEPOL, in close cooperation with the Lithuanian authorities.

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