The one-week regional Course, “Proliferation Pathways of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)”, is taking place at RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation from 03 to 07 June 2024, gathering more than 25 participants from the region.
Understanding the severe threat that WMD proliferation poses to national and global security, RACVIAC has been actively engaged in addressing this critical issue. Recognizing that the fight against WMD proliferation requires a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach RACVIAC has been collaborating with various international partners, including the Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), to enhance regional capacities and foster cooperation.
The Course was opened by H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC and MAJ Jordan M. Seymour, Action Officer, EUCOM Operations Division (OB-BPE), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
Ambassador Grigorie in his Introductory speech welcomed and thanked MAJ Jordan Seymour for his generous personal support. He also welcomed a team of instructors from the USA who will graciously share their invaluable expertise during this Course. Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the DTRA for its continuous support of RACVIAC, which is of great importance to the SEE region.
Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, along with their materials, precursors, and dual-use items, poses a significant threat to national security, sovereignty, and prosperity of nations not only across Europe but globally too. The mere potential of WMD use against populations or the dissemination of related materials to malicious actors underscores the critical urgency of RACVIAC work.
Furthermore, Ambassador Grigorie reflected on the purpose of the event which is to expand awareness of both state and non-state actor proliferation, examining the intricate differences in scale and intent. Throughout this course the mechanics of modern proliferation will be dissected, laying out how these networks operate and, crucially, how they succeed. A spectrum of illicit activities that demand constant surveillance and observation will be explored, emphasizing the importance of early detection, disruption, and dismantling, he added.
In pursuit of these objectives ample opportunities to underscore the importance of information sharing and regional cooperation will also be afforded. Crafting effective counterproliferation strategies demands a collaborative effort—one that transcends borders and bureaucratic boundaries. Through practical exercises, including risk assessments, rudimentary network link analysis, and the exploration of the nexus between non-state actor proliferation and terrorism, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to confront these threats head-on, Ambassador concluded.
Maj Jordan M. Seymour in his Opening speech thanked all participants and the team of instructors for the willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, he praised the partnership between DTRA and RACVIAC in providing training and help to counter Weapons of Mass Destruction and proliferation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear materials. This partnership, spanning over 25 bilateral and multinational events, has increased the readiness of all RACVIAC Members as well as Europe as a whole, he emphasized.
Maj Jordan concluded by saying: “Despite our few differences, we have far more in common, and coming together to discuss and learn from our own challenges makes us stronger as a whole. For that, RACVIAC deserves our thanks and recognition; they have been instrumental in bringing together like-minded partners from all over Europe for over 20 years.”
More than 25 participants from a diverse array of agencies, including agents, officers, and analysts tasked with investigating terrorism and proliferation networks (operating at the tactical or operational level, particularly those familiar with countering WMD and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear threats) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Kosovo*, are attending the Course.
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* This Designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. (In accordance with Arrangements regarding regional representation and cooperation.)
