Cyprus has completed its first Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) programme under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). The specialised course concluded in Nicosia on 25 September 2026 and brought together personnel whose work may take them into demanding or high-risk environments.

The programme was organised by the Security and Defence Academy of the Republic of Cyprus in cooperation with the National Guard, Cyprus Police and the German Federal Police Academy. It was intended to prepare personnel serving, or due to serve, in missions under the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The training focused on situational awareness, personal safety and readiness to respond to threatening situations. Its aim was to develop the knowledge, practical skills and behaviours participants need to protect themselves and work effectively with others in high-risk settings. The course addressed these challenges at both individual and team level.

Nineteen senior participants from European countries and organisations attended. They included Cyprus’s ambassadors to Lebanon, Ukraine, Israel and Iran, as well as senior military officers, diplomats, police and military personnel, and representatives of European institutions and CSDP missions. Among the organisations and missions represented were the European External Action Service, EUAM Iraq, EUAM Ukraine, EUAM Armenia, EUPOL COPPS and EUCAP Somalia.

The participation of diplomatic, military and police personnel reflected the range of roles that can involve deployment to complex security environments. For Cyprus, hosting the course also provided an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation with EU member states, European institutions and international partners in preparing personnel for such assignments.

The German Ambassador to Cyprus attended the closing ceremony, representing Germany as a partner in the training programme. His presence highlighted the cooperation behind the course and the shared effort to improve the safety and preparedness of personnel taking part in international missions.