From 11 to 13 June 2025 the first Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) Capability Enhancement Workshop was launched in Bucharest, Romania. Organized by RACVIAC in partnership with the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Government of Romania, the Workshop marks the beginning of the new RACVIAC/DTRA Regional Weapons of Mass Destruction Counterproliferation Training Initiative.
The Workshop was designed to identify key training requirements to enhance the ability of SEE institutions to counter the illegal proliferation of WMDs, dual-use items, and related precursors. It also aimed to establish a framework for long-term planning, aligning future training activities with RACVIAC annual planning cycle. Key objectives included strengthening regional cooperation, improving operational readiness, and ensuring that counterproliferation training efforts are coordinated and sustainable.
In his Opening address H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC, expressed his deep appreciation to the Romanian government for hosting the event and recognized Romania’s long-standing support of the RACVIAC initiative. He emphasized that Romania has been an invaluable partner in promoting regional security and cooperation, highlighting the country’s active involvement in numerous projects focused on energy security, critical infrastructure resilience, and cross-border security challenges.
The Director also thanked DTRA for its continuous leadership and financial support, noting their crucial role in facilitating the Workshop and providing expert guidance on the development of training programs.
Ambassador Grigorie underscored that this workshop is the beginning of a comprehensive and deliberate training initiative to address the complex challenges posed by WMD proliferation and that it will focus on establishing a framework to identify and address training needs across RACVIAC Members, enhancing regional cooperation and operational readiness and strengthening the deliberate planning processes necessary for counterproliferation training.
In his Opening remarks Richard Spencer, Chief, EUCOM Operations Division, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, pointed out: “While RACVIAC C-WMD Network has achieved significant progress in combating WMD proliferation, we face a critical juncture. The threat landscape is rapidly changing, demanding that we urgently develop more effective processes to address CWMD capability gaps in the region. We must adapt and innovate to stay ahead of malicious actors who seek to exploit South East Europe as a transit route for WMD materials…”.
During the Opening session representatives of DTRA and USEUCOM also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in countering proliferation of WMDs and RACVIAC unique role as a regionally owned platform for security cooperation.
It was pointed out that this workshop will examine training requirements which will be a starting point for conducting specific training events in the future as well as to raise awareness of implementing the Whole-of-Government Approach (“WGA”).
The representative of the host country, Romania, reminded the audience about Romania’s active role in the C-WMD Network since its beginning and emphasized that new security challenges require strengthening of national security capabilities as well as enhancing international cooperation.
Throughout the Workshop representatives had the opportunity to engage in detailed discussions on counterproliferation training requirements, guided by a group of leading experts in the field. The sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of WMD threats and explored new strategies to address emerging challenges. The event also highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and fostering collaboration across borders.
As the Workshop drew to a close, H.E. Ambassador Constantin- Mihail Grigorie, RACVIAC Director, thanked the representatives and partners for their contributions, emphasizing the Workshop’s importance in reinforcing international collaboration.
‘’ The matter of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their associated materials does not cease to be relevant, moreover, it is of great importance, demanding our steady attention and commitment. Our continued dedication to improving the WMD counterproliferation capabilities will help ensure that we remain one step ahead in preventing the threat of proliferation of WMD and other malicious activities’’, he noted.
RACVIAC Director emphasized the importance of vigilance and international collaboration in ensuring global security, urging participants to stay engaged and committed to advancing Counter WMD capabilities.
The Ambassador also extended heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. DTRA for its steadfast support and to the distinguished speakers and experts for their invaluable contributions. He concluded the remarks by conveying warm gratitude to the Romanian Government for its unwavering leadership, support, and hospitality throughout the event.
The C-WMD Network within RACVIAC marks 10 years since its inception and during that period the Network achieved outstanding results in assisting Network members in adapting and enhancing their national C-WMD strategies while providing a valuable forum for exchange of opinions, expertise, best practices and experience during the drafting process and refinement of these strategies.
