On 6-7 May 2026 the CROSSFLOOD consortium hosted the Post-Conflict Threats Awareness Workshop at Unmanned Valley, Valkenburg, The Netherlands. The workshop served as an opportunity to share best practices and knowledge on CBRN, EOD, UXOs and related threats that can be faced in Post-Conflict areas of operation.
Participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences from previous missions and discuss key challenges of dealing with CBRN hazards and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). During the first workshop day the CROSSFLOOD Consortium had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from two consortium members, namely Julien Perroudon, Head of Demining Unit, Home Office, General Directorate for Civil Protection, France and Andrii Havrys, Deputy Head of the Department of Civil Protection, Lviv State University of Life Safety, Ukraine.
Julien Perroudon presented France’s long-standing experience in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and chemical ammunition management. He highlighted France’s extensive mine clearance operations since World War II, including the disposal of millions of mines and shells, and explained the role of the French Chemical Cargo Coordination Centre in safely managing toxic munitions.
Andrii Havrys focused on the realities of CBRN and EOD operations during the war in Ukraine. His presentation described the dangers faced by emergency responders, including missile attacks, chemical hazards, unexploded ordnance, and widespread landmine contamination affecting nearly 30% of Ukraine’s territory. He also emphasized the importance of training, coordination, and modern response systems.
Together, the presentations underlined the importance of international cooperation, preparedness, and specialized expertise in addressing post-conflict threats and protecting civilian populations.
On the second day the workshop focused on challenges specifically related to operations in post-conflict areas and on hands-on practical training. The workshop audience had the pleasure of welcoming another presentation from a representative from the CROSSFLOOD consortium, namely from Aida Resch, Senior Expert, Resilience Solutions Resch, Austria.
Having had first-hand experience from the field, Aida presented the impact of the 2014 floods and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina on mine-contaminated areas. The disaster moved landmines and unexploded ordnance into populated and agricultural zones, while warning signs and barriers were washed away.
Her presentation highlighted the importance of coordination between Civil Protection and mine action authorities, which helped prevent casualties and supported the destruction of more than 10,000 mines and UXO. The case demonstrated how natural disasters can significantly increase post-conflict risks and complicate recovery efforts.
During the last part of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to be confronted with inert UXOs, search and identify those in an open air field and experience first hand the challenges of identifying such devices in an area covered with high grass.
The CROSSFLOOD Post-Conflict Threats Awareness Workshop served as a platform to exchange valuable experiences, strengthen cooperation, and improve preparedness for addressing post-conflict CBRN and explosive threats across Europe and beyond.
