United Nations, Jun 23 (IANS): The UN and the European Union have launched a programme in a bid to prevent future biological and nuclear disasters around the world.

The Centres for Excellence (CoE) Initiative is designed to alleviate the risks of crimes related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters (CBRN) by promoting coherent CBRN policies, according to a press statement issued here Friday.

"The initiative maximizes existing capacities and supports countries to better address the risks posed by CBRN," Jonathan Lucas, director of the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) said in the statement.

At a press conference here, Bruno Dupre, policy coordinator for CBRN issues for the EU Diplomatic Service, said the agency aims to increase cooperation, vigilance and dialogue in those regions that are at higher risk of nuclear disaster.

Dupre also noted that the CoE Initiative is not a programme to respond to crisis, but to avoid any future crises, Xinhua reported.

Currently, the initiative involves more than 60 countries and has been launched in eight regions, including Ukraine and Moldova, Central Asia, South East Europe, as well as several regions in Africa, he added.