Fondazione SAFE (Security and Freedom for Europe) is an Italian-based not-for-profit organisation designing and implementing high-impact projects in the field of security and defence in the European Union, the Western Balkans and the Middle East. SAFE’s activities focus on organized crime, CBRN risk mitigation and critical infrastructure protection, including hybrid threats. SAFE’s aim is to support actors in understanding, preventing and responding to incidents, thus assuring the safety of citizens.

The foundation’s capacities are in developing and implementing trainings and operational guidelines, testing technical equipment, networking by promoting cross-border and inter-agency cooperation and monitoring and evaluation of project activities. Furthermore, since the beginning of 2021, SAFE manages its own training and testing facility to conduct HEAT (hostile environment awareness training) courses, simulations and real-life exercises, CBRNe awareness and personal safety courses. Additionally, SAFE is now part of the European Security and Defense College Network. For the implementation of its activities, SAFE collaborates with various stakeholders in the field of security and defence to assure effective cooperation among the different institutions and EU member states. These include:

• Governance actors including Municipalities, Metropolitan Areas and Cities, Regions, Ministries, European Union;

• Institutions such as Police, Arma dei Carabinieri and the Italian Army;

• Private sector actors (for example, experts and industry leaders in R&D)

• Public sector actors and the research community such as universities and research centres.