EU: European Parliament studies: civil protection and chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents
09 May 2018
Support our work: become a Friend of Statewatch from as little as £1/€1 per month.
Statewatch News Online
EU
European Parliament studies: civil protection and chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents
9.5.18
Follow us: 
| 
| Tweet
Two new studies undertaken for the European Parliament's Special Commitee on Terrorism (TERR) examine 'EU Civil Protection Responding to CBRN Incidents and Attacks' and 'Member States' Preparedness for CBRN Threats'.
Member States’ Preparedness for CBRN Threats (pdf):
"This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Special Committee on Terrorism, outlines the threats posed by CBRN weapons, examines how well Europe is prepared for these threats and assesses where preparedness and response could be improved. It suggests that to date, terrorist attacks in Europe have largely utilised conventional weapons where medical staff are able to respond using conventional medicine and medical practices. However, threats from the use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) materials for terrorism remain high and are evolving. The future threats are likely to come from the use of chemical and biological weapons."
EU Civil Protection Responding to CBRN Incidents and Attacks (pdf):
"The threat posed by terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents or materials is existential for both the EU and its individual Member States. Therefore the importance of creating, maintaning and effectively employing pre-emptive, preventive, timely responsive countering means is of vital for the protection of EU citizens and the maintenance of peace and security. This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the requst of the Special Committee on Terrorism of the European Parliament (TERR), aims to examine the efficacy of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) in the event of CBRN terrorist attacks. Although the UCPM is presented as the main emergency management instrument of the EU, it is mainly a post-incident handling tool; hence its preparedness for CBRN terrorist attacks is underdeveloped and requires an immediate improvement. Thus by understanding these shortfalls can Europe collectively be prepared against the threat of CBRN attacks."
See: Special Committee on Terrorism(EP, link)
Search our database for more articles and information or subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates from Statewatch News Online.
Our work is only possible with your support.
Become a Friend of Statewatch from as little as £1/€1 per month.
Spotted an error? If you've spotted a problem with this page, just click once to let us know.