Fondazione SAFE is proud to announce the official launch of the EU CBRN CoE Project 104, “Strengthening crime scene forensics and prosecution capabilities in investigating CBRN incidents in the Middle East Region.” This three-year, €2 million initiative aims to enhance forensic capacities throughout Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq—from crime scene investigation to courtroom proceedings.
By providing technical, law enforcement, and judicial support, this project will help national and regional authorities build robust capabilities for effectively managing and mitigating CBRN risks. Among its key milestones are the enhancement of crime scene investigation competencies and the improvement of laboratory capacities in the region.
Fondazione SAFE is entrusted with managing and coordinating all project activities as part of a distinguished consortium led by Italy (ENEA as coordinator, Fondazione SAFE, Italian Ministry of Defense, and the University of Rome Tor Vergata – CBRN GATE). The consortium also includes partners from Hungary (HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research), Greece (EPLO – European Public Law Organization), Jordan (Princess Sumaya University for Technology), and Lebanon (American University of Beirut).
Since 2018, Fondazione SAFE has been actively engaged in the Middle East on security and CBRN risk mitigation initiatives. Through EU Technical Assistance on CBRN, SAFE has trained over 1,000 civilian and military specialists in Lebanon, supported €1.5 million in equipment donations, and organized large-scale exercises. Additionally, SAFE contributed to the successful completion of the EU CBRN CoE Project 73, focused on critical infrastructure protection in Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.
Today’s official kick-off event in Amman brings together more than 50 representatives from Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, the European Union, UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute), OPCW, INTERPOL, and NATO. This gathering marks a significant step forward in fostering international collaboration to strengthen forensic and security frameworks in the region.