21–22 October 2025, Amman, Jordan

As part of the EU-funded CBRN Centres of Excellence Project 101, a consultation visit was successfully conducted in Amman, Jordan, to assess national capabilities in the protection and cyber-security of CBRN critical infrastructures.

Over two intensive days, from 21 to 22 October 2025, the Project 101 Expert Team — Team Leader Alexandre Custaud, Deputy Team Leader and Key Expert (Legal) Scott Spence, Expert Meimouna Deida, and OSA Expert Günter Povoden — met with key national institutions, including:

• Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

• Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) – Chemical Support Unit

• Energy and Mineral Regulatory Commission (EMRC)

• National Radiation Center (operating under EMRC)

• National Cyber Security Center (NCSC)

• Cyber Directorate (JAF-CERT)

• Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)

The visit confirmed Jordan’s strong commitment to CBRN and cyber resilience. Discussions highlighted:

• The classification of critical infrastructures with dedicated response units;

• The establishment of a nuclear security training centre with a cybersecurity focus;

• Advanced CBRN assets, including Category 1 and 2 radioactive sources;

• Specialized JAF CBRNe units supported by mobile laboratories;

• Established crisis coordination mechanisms for both cyber and physical incidents.

A dedicated session also explored innovative technologies for CBRN critical infrastructure protection, including the use of satellite imagery, risk-assessment tools, and flood-modelling scenarios such as dam-breach simulations.

Synergies and Cooperation

Relevant CBRN critical infrastructures had already been identified under the PPRD Mediterranean Project, funded by the European Commission DG ECHO and implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC). This earlier project defined key industrial and flood-risk zones in Jordan, and the Jordanian Civil Defense is now applying flood and dam-collapse models derived from it, confirming their practical relevance.

The consultation contributed to refining Jordan’s draft national report and critical infrastructure inventory, with a follow-up visit planned to further address cybersecurity aspects.

The project team expresses its gratitude to the Jordanian authorities for their openness and cooperation, and was encouraged by the strong engagement and willingness of experts to collaborate on next steps.

Special thanks are extended to Mr. Iyad Aldasouqi (Head of MIE Secretariat for CoE / Royal Society), Mr. Adil Radoini (UNICRI Regional Coordinator), and Mr. Günter Povoden (OSA MIE Expert) for their support.

Project 101 is implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), with support from UNICRI – United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

European Commission – FPI / European Commission – DG ECHO / ISTC