Exercising realistic terrorist attack scenarios

On 2-5 June 2015 in Linares, Spain, Europol facilitated a cyclical seminar and training session for more than 70 chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and explosives experts. The event was attended by officers from 26 EU Member States, Australia, Norway, Switzerland and the USA. Specialised agencies such as the Centre of Excellence on Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, European Centre for Disease Control, International Atomic Energy Agency, European Police College (CEPOL) and the Europol expert team were also present.

This intensive four-day seminar and training course was dedicated to the exchange of information and intelligence on recent cases and incidents involving explosives and CBRN materials across the world. This information, as well as the update on know-how, can be crucial for handling security threats from explosives and CBRN materials. Multinational teams created for the purpose of the seminar worked together to face different potential and realistic scenarios of terrorist attacks, based on the most recently available information.

One of the crucial benefits of this expert gathering is the possibility to network, build trust and, as a result, enhance the capacity and capabilities of the EU first responders. This ultimately contributes to providing more security for all EU citizens in this sensitive area.

The community of experts called the European Explosive Ordnance Disposal Network was mandated by the EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs in May 2008 and has been active ever since. Since 2010 Europol has been organising and financing regular expertise exchange and training events for the network. This year's event was co-founded by CEPOL and supported by the Spanish National Police.