EU CBRN CoE Project 100 Strengthens Ukraine’s Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity Capabilities
18/2525 Aug 2025 - 28 Aug 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Kyiv, Ukraine - August 28, 2025
The European Union’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, through Project 100 – Strengthening Frontline Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in the South East and Eastern European Region (P100), successfully conducted a National Training Course, Tabletop Exercise and Field Simulation Training Drill in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, from 25 to 28 August 2025.
Organized by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) in close collaboration with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, State Customs Service, Public Health Center, and the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the events aimed to enhance Ukraine’s national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to biological threats at border crossing points.
The four-day training course brought together over 40 frontline officers, inspectors, and health specialists from relevant national services. Six national trainers, representing border, customs, public health, and veterinary sectors, and previously trained by P100 as national instructors, delivered sessions on biosafety principles, incident response, and interagency coordination during biological emergencies at points of entry.
The course strengthened participants’ understanding of international standards and national procedures, promoting a unified approach to managing cross-sectoral risks. Participants engaged in practical discussions and scenario-based planning to simulate real-life challenges faced at border crossing points.
The culminating field exercise drill was held at the Vysne Nemecke border crossing point between Ukraine and Slovakia. The scenario simulated the detection of a passenger displaying symptoms of a contagious disease, measles, on a bus arriving from Slovakia.
Border guards promptly isolated the individual, initiated emergency notification procedures, and coordinated with medical and public health authorities for case management. The exercise assessed response readiness, communication flow, and practical cooperation between border, customs, and health agencies in a live operational environment.
The event demonstrated strong institutional commitment, effective interagency communication, and a high level of professionalism among Ukrainian frontline services.
These national-level activities are critical steps toward strengthening the regional biosafety and biosecurity architecture. The Ukraine training and exercise form part of a broader regional initiative spanning ten partner countries in South East and Eastern Europe, contributing to the European Union’s goal of reducing biological risks and enhancing cross-border health security.
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.