Projects
COOPSEC
Cooperative Security (COOPSEC) is an international military exercise that was conducted within the CEDC framework in 2017 and 2019. Both editions of the exercise focused on migration crisis in the region and the Armed Forces’ role in addressing this issue, in line with national responsibilities. Overall, the exercises contribute to developing and/or strengthening synergies on a regional level, common understanding of migration challenges and increased inter-regional cooperation.
Building on lessons learned from the 2015/2016 migration flows through Central Europe, COOPSEC 17 was organised as a means to improve coordination among Ministries of Defence when it came to addressing this regional issue. Both a Table Top Workshop and a week-long joint Field Training Exercise were carried out, all within the Armed Forces’ mandate to support law enforcement in their efforts.
In 2019, the COOPSEC exercise scenario was broadened both in terms of content and participation. Again focusing on migration crisis, governmental institutions such as the Police, Border Guard and other civilian institutions, such as national healthcare bodies, took part in the second edition of COOPSEC. Additionally, observers from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia took part in the exercise. Consisting of a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise, the exercise was a successful operation of a joint multinational military and police forces working together to address a common threat. The topic drew international attention in the region. Both high-ranking visitors from CEDC countries and defence attachés from the Western Balkan countries attended the Distinguished Visitors’ Day and the Closing Ceremony of the exercise.
In accordance with the civilian authorities’ needs and national legislations’ provisions, COOPSEC is a practical portrayal that the Armed Forces of the CEDC states continue to be prepared to support and assist the police forces in ensuring safety of our citizens.
CBRN SaaS
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Surveillance as a Service (CBRN SaaS) was initially established as a Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project within the EU framework. Austria is the leading country on this project, with Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia also participating. PESCO in the area of security and defence policy was established by a Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315 on 11 December 2017, with 25 participating EU Member States.
The aim of the project is to provide a rapidly deployable 24/7 CBRN surveillance capability. The project aims to maximise the use of unmanned ground systems and aerial drones, which will be equipped with a variety of sensors to deliver a real-time CBRN surveillance, detection and incident management capability for both civilian and military purposes. This will enhance the knowledge-based decision-making by leaders, in turn saving lives. By using unmanned systems, operational flexibility will increase, while risks for the operators will be reduced.
In 2019, the European Defence Agency (EDA) was chosen to support the development of this PESCO project as an Agency initiative. The project is also eligible for funding from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme, allowing the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises from CEDC countries to take part in the project and benefit from a financial input from the EU.
CEDC Language Platform
For information about the CEDC Language Platform: CEDC Language Platform
External links, references:
https://www.bundesheer.at/organisation/beitraege/lvak/akademie/index.shtml
https://eda.europa.eu/what-we-do/our-current-priorities/permanent-structured-cooperation-(PESCO)