Project 88: Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in SEEE countries

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North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje

North Macedonia hosted two consecutive Project 88 events, a ministerial briefing on project results and the Regional BioEx exercise, bringing together delegates from eight South East and Eastern Europe countries.

From project results to national ownership

On 23 March 2026, under EU CBRN CoE Project 088, the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine, STCU, visited the Ministry of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia and delivered an end of project ministerial briefing for the Minister of Health, Mr Azir Aliu. The meeting briefed the Ministry of Health on the results achieved within Project 88 and explored how these results could be sustained and expanded after the project closed.

The briefing brought together senior national stakeholders, including the Minister of Health and Ms Elena Kuzmanovska Biondik, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia. Discussions focused on practical steps to embed Project 88 outcomes into national systems and identified opportunities for continued engagement with the EU CBRN CoE Initiative.

Practical pathways to sustain capabilities

Participants reviewed concrete proposals to maintain readiness and keep skills current. These included planning future multi agency exercises with other national authorities, integrating the Project 88 CBRN emergency medicine curriculum into continuing professional development, and embedding the curriculum into the Ministry of Health lifelong learning management system. The meeting also covered the creation of a Ministry of Health database of trained personnel, the conversion of the written curriculum into multimedia online training, and the expansion of training and exercises to wider target audiences. This included setting minimum criteria for CBRN trained staff in medical institutions, particularly in tourist areas.

Further ideas included exploring funding for a regional CBRN emergency medicine centre of excellence in Skopje, examining improvements to equipment storage, and considering follow on work related to public health at mass gatherings. This covered mass casualty treatment, risk assessment, and crisis communication.

Regional BioEx exercise in Skopje

On 24 March 2026, the regional biological exercise, BioEx, officially began in Skopje. Opening remarks were delivered by senior representatives, including Deputy Minister of Health Mr Jovica Androvski, Ms Elena Kuzmanovska Biondik, and Mr Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia. Delegates from eight countries of the South East and Eastern Europe region took part in three days of activities.

The exercise was developed by the Project 88 team in cooperation with the Emergency Unit team at the Health Centre in Skopje, with support from Skopje medical university volunteers and the Red Cross. This cooperation increased realism and strengthened coordination across services.

This action was funded by the European Union and is part of the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centers of Excellence Initiative.

Scenario and objectives

From 25 to 26 March, participants worked through a joint plan of action to manage a biological emergency event. The scenario centred on Flight SN358 from Kinshasa where, prior to landing, multiple passengers became severely ill, with symptoms consistent with a haemorrhagic fever. Air traffic control informed the emergency coordination centre, the aircraft remained away from the terminal, and responders managed 52 passengers and four crew, including symptomatic cases and simulated fatalities.

The exercise objectives focused on operational decisions in the first hours of a biological incident. These included protecting emergency medical personnel, conducting effective triage on board and off the plane, applying infection prevention and control, delivering life saving medical care, and determining whether notification to the World Health Organization was required under the International Health Regulations.

Project background

EU CBRN CoE Project 88, “Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in South East and Eastern European countries,” supported partner countries in improving medical preparedness, response coordination, and sustainable training capacity for CBRN incidents through national level training and institutional cooperation

News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje News Photo North Macedonia Hosted Project 88 Ministerial Briefing and Regional BioEx Exercise in Skopje

Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress

From March 14 to 16, 2025, Skopje, North Macedonia, hosted the third edition of the National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training, marking a key step forward in the country's efforts to strengthen its preparedness and response mechanisms for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.

The event was particularly noteworthy as it was entirely conducted by North Macedonia’s own national training team, a clear demonstration of their growing capability and autonomy. This milestone reflects the broader objectives of Project 88, which aims to establish lasting and independent CBRN emergency medical training frameworks in each participating nation.

Master Trainers in CBRN Emergency Medicine from North Macedonia led the training, working alongside the Public Health Institution “Healthcare Center of Skopje” and with the support of the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU). Over the course of three days, 15 healthcare professionals received comprehensive instruction through practical exercises and realistic, scenario-based simulations designed to enhance their readiness to manage CBRN emergencies.

The training not only built technical competencies but also encouraged collaboration and information sharing among professionals in the field. The success of this event highlights the dedication and professionalism of North Macedonia’s training team and lays a solid foundation for ongoing capacity-building efforts in CBRN emergency response throughout the country.

News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress News Photo Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine in North Macedonia: National Training Team Marks Major Progress

Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in North Macedonia: Strengthening Local Capabilities

From April 26th to 28th, 2024, North Macedonia celebrated a significant milestone in enhancing its CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training, held in Skopje, showcased the remarkable achievement of the North Macedonian national training team in independently delivering this vital training. This accomplishment highlights the commitment to developing sustainable CBRN Emergency Medicine training exercises in each participating country, a key outcome of Project 88.

Led by North Macedonian CBRN Emergency Medicine Master Trainers, in collaboration with the Public Health Institution “Healthcare Center of Skopje” and supported by the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU), the training equipped healthcare professionals with essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Through hands-on exercises and scenario-based simulations, participants engaged in interactive learning, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among CBRN emergency medicine professionals.

This successful training serves as a testament to the dedication of the North Macedonian national training team and sets the stage for further initiatives to strengthen CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the country.

National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in North Macedonia: Strengthening Preparedness and Response Capabilities

On 13-15 March 2024, the first National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training took place in Skopje, North Macedonia, marking a significant milestone in enhancing CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the region. This training, held within the framework of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 'Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in SEEE countries', organized by the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU) in collaboration with North Macedonian CBRN Emergency Medicine Master Trainers and the Public Health Institution “Healthcare Center of Skopje,” aimed to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

Empowering South East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) partner countries, the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 played a pivotal role in establishing sustainable training systems, providing crucial equipment, and certifying CBRN Emergency Medicine Master Trainers. Focusing on addressing the inadequately trained and equipped medical responders and emergency staff in the SEEE countries, the project provided a collaborative platform for developing and enhancing training capabilities, standardizing procedures, and conducting training programs and exercises to test capabilities.


The training targeted diverse key personnel, including first-line CBRN emergency medicine responders, second-line hospital emergency staff, emergency medical managers, para-medical personnel, and medical professionals. Through a comprehensive curriculum, participants gained expertise in pre-hospital management, hospital-based care, strategic planning, resource allocation, and advanced medical procedures specific to CBRN-related scenarios.

The success of the training lies in its ability to provide practical knowledge through hands-on exercises and scenario-based simulations, mirroring real-life emergency situations. Participants were immersed in an interactive learning environment, fostering knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and collaboration among CBRN emergency medicine professionals.

Looking ahead, the training serves as a pilot course for North Macedonia, with plans to expand and replicate similar initiatives across the country. Detailed information regarding future training sessions will be provided, offering critical opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills further and contribute to building resilient and coordinated response systems in their respective countries. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming training opportunities, and join us in strengthening CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the SEEE region.

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