PRESS RELEASE. Strengthening Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity: National Training and Tabletop Exercise Conducted under EU-Funded P100 Initiative in North Macedonia on 25–27 June 2025
16/2529 Jul 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine – 7 July 2025
From 25 to 27 June 2025, North Macedonia hosted a successful four-day national-level Training Course and Tabletop Exercise (TTX) under the European Union-funded Project P100: Strengthening Front Line Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in the South East and Eastern European Region aiming at strengthening biosafety and biosecurity capacities at the country’s borders.
The three-day event organized by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) in cooperation with North Macedonia’s national trainers, previously certified through P100’s subregional Train-the-Trainer courses brought together representatives from key national institutions responsible for frontline response to biological threats, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Food and Veterinary Agency, Customs Service, Border Police, and Institute of Public Health.
The training was officially opened by Elena Kuzmanovska, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who emphasized the importance of institutional coordination in the face of biological emergencies. The program covered:
- • Institutional Structures and Emergency Frameworks: National experts from the Food and Veterinary Agency and Customs Service provided detailed insights into the current biosafety system and emergency response protocols.
- • Field Operations and Protection Measures: Sessions led by the Border Police and Institute of Public Health focused on real-life case studies, border protection strategies, PPE use, waste management, and quarantine procedures.
- • Tabletop Exercises: Participants practiced coordinated responses to complex biological threat scenarios, including the detection of an infected traveler and interception of smuggled biological agents. These simulations enhanced inter-agency collaboration and tested the practical application of national SOPs.
All training materials were developed and adapted based on P100 project guidelines, ensuring consistency with EU standards and regional harmonization efforts.
The event concluded with a summary of key lessons learned and the awarding of certificates. It significantly strengthened North Macedonia’s national preparedness and contributed to broader regional resilience in biosafety and biosecurity under the EU CBRN CoE Initiative.
This national-level event in North Macedonia is part of the broader EU CBRN Centres of Excellence P100 initiative, which is implemented by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) and supports eight partner countries in the South East and Eastern Europe region. By investing in frontline capacity-building, the project aims to improve regional preparedness and response to biological threats, contributing to both public health and security across borders.
STCU, together with the EU, extends its appreciation to all participants, presenters, and organizers who contributed to the success of these events. Their engagement and expertise were vital in achieving the shared mission of a safer, more secure region. This initiative underscores the EU’s and STCU's dedication to strengthening BS&S measures in the SEEE region and fostering international collaboration to mitigate biological threats effectively.