EU unveils plan to enhance chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security
2009-06-24 11:55:58 GMT2009-06-24 19:55:58 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English
BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a policy package on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security in the European Union.
The main aim of the package is to support the ongoing security efforts of the EU member states and to provide a framework for better coordination of and cooperation between all involved stakeholders, said the commission, the executive body of the EU.
The core of the package is a CBRN action plan that sets out 133 measures.
The European Commission proposed a broad approach to CBRN security ranging from prevention and detection to enhancing preparedness and response capacities.
The approach focuses on preventing unauthorized access to CBRN materials; having the capability to detect CBRN materials; and being able to efficiently respond to incidents involving CBRN materials and recover from them as quickly as possible.
"This CBRN package is an important and timely initiative. Terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction, including CBRN materials, is the most frightening scenario," said European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, who is responsible for justice, freedom and security affairs.
"Although Europe has fortunately not seen a large scale attack using these materials, the seriousness of the potential consequences for our societies is such that we cannot be complacent," he said.
The CBRN action plan will be discussed with member state representatives later this year. Following agreement among member states, implementation of the action plan may start in 2010.
The European Commission plans to allocate up to 100 million euros (140 million U.S. dollars) to support the implementation process from 2010 through 2013
EU unveils plan to enhance chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security - World News - SINA English
2009-06-24 11:55:58 GMT2009-06-24 19:55:58 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English
BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a policy package on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security in the European Union.
The main aim of the package is to support the ongoing security efforts of the EU member states and to provide a framework for better coordination of and cooperation between all involved stakeholders, said the commission, the executive body of the EU.
The core of the package is a CBRN action plan that sets out 133 measures.
The European Commission proposed a broad approach to CBRN security ranging from prevention and detection to enhancing preparedness and response capacities.
The approach focuses on preventing unauthorized access to CBRN materials; having the capability to detect CBRN materials; and being able to efficiently respond to incidents involving CBRN materials and recover from them as quickly as possible.
"This CBRN package is an important and timely initiative. Terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction, including CBRN materials, is the most frightening scenario," said European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, who is responsible for justice, freedom and security affairs.
"Although Europe has fortunately not seen a large scale attack using these materials, the seriousness of the potential consequences for our societies is such that we cannot be complacent," he said.
The CBRN action plan will be discussed with member state representatives later this year. Following agreement among member states, implementation of the action plan may start in 2010.
The European Commission plans to allocate up to 100 million euros (140 million U.S. dollars) to support the implementation process from 2010 through 2013
EU unveils plan to enhance chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security - World News - SINA English
