Planning process of “Cyber Coalition” - NATO major cyber defense exercise for 2017 is continuing

Planning process of “Cyber Coalition” - NATO major cyber defense exercise for 2017 is continuing

Planning process of “Cyber Coalition” - NATO major cyber defense exercise for 2017 is continuing

Date: (22-05-2017)

Within the period of 16-18 May 2017, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria hosted Main Planning Conference aimed at the organization and arrangement of the exercise implementation phase.

The conference was opened by Deputy Minister Atanas Zapryanov. Almost all Alliance’s Nations took part in it and for the first time this year the EU has participated in the exercise format.

During the conference the main goals of the participants were elaboration of the most realistic situation scenario with the possibility to test the capabilities of member-states to identify cyber defense, to investigate cyber incidents, to share information and coordinate efforts during implementation of Standard Operating Procedures, etc.

In conclusion, the Exercise Director Mr Andres Kuusk appreciated highly the organization works made by the Ministry of Defense pointing out that the preliminarily planned goals of the conference have been fully achieved.

News

CMDR COE Hosts and Participates in Protection of Civilians Experiment

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) is hosting, as well as taking part in the Protection of Civilians Experiment (PoC EXP) from 18 to 22 September 2017 at Metropolitan Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria.

The PoC Concept development is sponsored by NATO Bi-Strategic Command and is run by the Allied Command Transformation. The CMDR COE is honored to be the host of the PoC EXP and to play an active role in the conduct of the event.

Master of science programme Engineering Provision of Protection Against Disasters and Accidents

The University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy in collaboration with NATO CMDR COE invites all interested specialists to become part of the new MSc Programme and to become qualified experts and consultants in engineering provision of protection against disasters and accidents.

CMDR COE Successfully Conducted 5th Annual Conference Interagency Interaction in Crisis Management and Disaster Response

CMDR COE carried out its 5^th Annual Conference Interagency Interaction in Crisis Management and Disaster Response 2017 on June 1-2 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The conference was held under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister for Public Order and Security and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Krasimir Karakachanov.

The CMDR Interagency Interaction conference is an annual event which brings together subject matter experts, researchers and educators, planners and developers, advisers and various actors working in the crisis management and disaster response domain in order to promote a lively debate on relevant issues.

Disaster Management Course 2017 iteration accomplishes its goals

CMDR COE successfully conducted the 5-day Disaster Management course from 15 to 19 May 2017 providing basic knowledge related to disasters as phenomenon, the disaster management process and its close relation to the risk management process, as well as the main players and mechanisms in disaster response.

The attendees were introduced to numerous topics related to disaster management, risk management, capability development, gender perspectives, humanitarian assistance and the role of the international actors in disaster response through lectures, practical teamwork and subsequent student presentations.

3rd NATO Centres of Excellence Financial Controllers (FINCON) Conference – 2017

Transformation Network Branch, Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT), in co-operation with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE), successfully conducted the 3^rd NATO Centres of Excellence Financial Controllers (FINCON) Conference – 2017. The event was held in the City of Varna on 15-18 May 2017.

The 2017 COEs FINCON Conference was opened by Rear Admiral Mitko Petev, the Commander of Bulgarian Navy, who warmly-welcomed the participants in the maritime capital of Bulgaria and wished them productive deliberations in successfully reaching the objectives of the Conference.

Announcement: The 5th CMDR COE Annual Conference

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) is pleased to announce that the 5^th Annual Conference “Interagency Interaction in Crisis Management and Disaster Response” will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 1 and 2 June 2017.

The Conference`2017 is open to all NATO Nations and Partners, governmental, non-governmental and international organizations and will include 3 panels:

- DEFENCE SUPPORT IN DISASTER RESPONSE OPERATIONS;

- IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO MILITARY ACTIVITIES;

- BUILDING SOCIETAL RESILIENCY AND MITIGATING VULNERABILITY

CMDR COE Mobile Education and Training Team (METT) successfully conducted a Disaster Relief Operations Course at South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) HQ

From 25 to 27 April 2017 a Disaster Relief Operations Course was held at South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) HQ, Larissa, Greece.

The aim of the event was acquisition of basic knowledge related to disasters as phenomenon, as well as the main players and mechanisms in disaster relief in order to facilitate the use of SEEBRIG ETF tool in such operations.

The course was successfully conducted by the CMDR COE Mobile Education and Training Team (METT) and offered to the participants the latest developments within the disaster management...

CMDR COE 2nd ANNIVERSARY

Today, 4 April 2017, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) celebrated the second anniversary of its formal accreditation as an international military organisation – the first of its kind in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The celebration was marked by a reception and an official welcome and awarding ceremony, on which, by order of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Stefan Yanev, eight CMDR COE military and civilian staff members were presented with awarding sings and prizes for outstanding performance. The event took place at the Lozenets Residence, and gathered high ranking officials and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations from the crisis management and disaster response community.

CMDR COE Carries Out MSG-147 Demo Experiment

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence hosted a Demo-Experiment MSG-147, as part of the M&S Support for Crisis and Disaster Management Processes and Climate Change Implications project. The event took place in Sofia, Bulgaria in the period 20 March – 24 March, 2017. More than 20 representatives of governmental institutions, JFTC, other COEs, academia and the industry took part in the Demo-Experiment MSG-147.

The aim of the MSG-147 project is to develop a technical platform capable of supporting and conducting crisis management and disaster response exercises, analysis and preparatory training, that enables prompt, reasonable and effective tests of Crisis/Disaster and Climate Change Implication (CCI) Response plans.

Five-day Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course was successfully conducted

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course was held from 20 to 24 March 2017 at the CMDR COE.

The aim of the course was to provide the attendees with basic knowledge to NATO Crisis Management, NATO Crisis Response System and its complementary elements - NATO Crisis Management Process, Civil Emergency Planning and Operations Planning, as well as Disaster Response main actors. The assigned learning objectives were fully covered which contributed to achieving the course aim.

Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence and Bulgarian Red Cross Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) President, Hristo Grigorov, and the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) Director, Colonel Vassil Roussinov, signed a framework cooperation agreement aiming to promote, facilitate and strengthen cooperation in the area of education, training, research and development. In the context of this agreement will be launched a number of research projects, education and training programs, joint training activities, participation in workshops, conferences, training and internship programs, exchanges of researchers, teachers and other experts.

CMDR COE Successfully hosted CMX17 Final Planning Conference

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) organized and conducted the NATO Crisis Management Exercise 2017 (CMX17) Final Planning Conference (FPC) from 06 to 10 February 2017 at Boyana Residence, Sofia, Bulgaria.

The exercise is sponsored by NATO Secretary General and is jointly run by the International Staff, the International Military Staff and the two NATO Strategic Commands – Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation.

CMDR COE and EADRCC Hold Exercise "CRNA GORA 2016" Lessons Identified Conference

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) together with the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) conducts the “CRNA GORA – 2016” Lessons Identified Conference from 25 to 27 January 2017 at Arena di Serdica Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria.

The EADRCC held a consequence management command-post and field exercise “CRNA GORA 2016” on 31 October – 3 November 2016. The exercise was jointly organized by the EADRCC and the Directorate for Emergency Management of the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro.

UNISDR Training of Trainers Workshop for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework Completed

In concern of the UN Office for Risk Reduction (UNISDR) efforts to promote the latest disaster risk reduction framework adopted in 2015, a UNISDR Training of Trainers Workshop was carried out from 17 to 19 January 2017 in Sofia.

The event has been supported by the Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection – Bulgaria and Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) and accommodated by CMDR COE.

Strategic Decision Making for Crisis Response Operations Course draws to a close

The five-day iteration of Strategic Decision Making for Crisis Response Operations Course was successfully conducted from 28 November to 2 December 2016 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

CMDR COE HAS THE PRIVILEGE TO WELCOME H.E. GRIGORIOS VASSILOCONSTANDAKIS THE AMBASSADOR OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC TO THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

The Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Bulgaria H.E. Grigorios Vassiloconstandakis visited the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) on 1 December 2016. He met with CMDR COE Director Colonel Vassil Roussinov, Deputy Director Colonel Panagiotis Aposporis and Branch Chiefs.

CMDR COE Welcomes Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (DSACT) Admiral Manfred Nielson

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) hosted a top-level visit of the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (DSACT) Admiral Manfred Nielson on November 14, 2016. Admiral Nielson attended a meeting with CMDR COE Director Colonel Vassil Roussinov, Deputy Director Colonel Panagiotis Aposporis and Branch Chiefs.

Agreement Signing Ceremony

On November 10^th, 2016, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence and the National Defence Academy ‘G. S. Rakovski’ signed a cooperation agreement.

Major general Todor Dotchev, Commandant of the National Defence Academy ‘G. S. Rakovski’ opened the ceremony with a short welcome address. He indicated that the National Defence Academy ‘G. S. Rakovski’ had always been actively supporting the establishment of the CMDR COE and the process of its continuous development.

Armenian Ministry of Defence Delegation Visits CMDR COE

An Armenian Ministry of Defence Delegation, led by Mr. Levon Ayvazyan, Director of the Defence Policy Directorate, visited the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) on November 9, 2016. The delegation attended a meeting with CMDR COE Director, Colonel Vassil Roussinov, and Branch Chiefs.

CMDR COE FORMED EXPERIMENTATION CELL ON CRNA GORA EXERCISE

A team from Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence took part in the Consequence Management Exercise CRNA GORA 2016. The exercise was conducted by the NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro and took place from 31 October to 4 November 2016 in Podgorica.

Steering Committee Appointed Hellenic Republic Officer as CMDR COE Deputy Director

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) successfully conducted its Steering Committee Meeting for the fourth year.

The annual session was held on 25-26 October, 2016 in Sofia, Bulgaria with the participation of the National Representatives from the MOD of Republic of Bulgaria, as a Framework Nation, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the MOD of Republic of Poland, as Sponsoring Nations.

Visit of SHAPE CIMIC Delegation led by ACOS J9 RADM Denis Bigot at CMDR COE

SHAPE J9 CIMIC Delegation, led by ACOS J9 RADM Denis Bigot, visited the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) on 11 October 2016. The aim of the duty call was acquirement with the specific CMDR COE’s mission, current status, developed capabilities and started projects. They met with Director Colonel Vassil Roussinov, CMDR COE Branch Chiefs and selected experts as presenters.

The Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course concludes

The CMDR COE organized and conducted the first five-day iteration of Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course from 26 to 30 September 2016 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The event aimed at providing comprehensive knowledge related to NATO Crisis Management, functioning of NATO Crisis Response System with emphasis on NATO Crisis Response Planning at operational level.

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SENDAI FRAMEWORK

Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) devotes efforts to address the importance of understanding disaster management processes and raise awareness of the latest developments related to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).

CMDR COE Runs 3-Day Advanced Research Workshop

Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence supported by NATO SPS Program conducted from 5^th to 7^th July 2016 Climate Change Implications on Military Activities in the Balkans Region Workshop attended by participants from 17 nations: 10 NATO countries (ALB, BGR, GBR, GRC, HUN, NLD, POL, ROM, TUR and USA) and 7 NATO PfP countries (FYROM, BIH, BRA, UKR, MNE, GEO and SRB)

CMDR COE Carried Out Fruitful Crisis Management and Disaster Response Interagency Interaction Annual Conference 2016

CMDR COE conducted its fourth annual conference for Crisis Management and Disaster Response Interagency Interaction from 31st May to 02nd June in Marinela Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Visit of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff - Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis

The Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis visited the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) on 1 June. He met with Director Colonel Vassil Roussinov, the Chief of Staff of the Bulgarian JFC Commodore Dimitar Yordanov, and CMDR COE Branch Chiefs.

CMDR COE Online Events

In the period May 31 to June 3, 2016 CMDR COE will hold two events - ANNUAL CONFERENCE INTERAGENCY INTERACTION IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER RESPONSE 2016 and MSG-147 - 2ND MEETING. Both events will be broadcasted live on the Web. For those who want to join online, below are the links to the relevant events.

CMDR COE held the Disaster Management Course from 16 to 20 May 2016 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The aim of the course involved the acquisition of basic knowledge related to disasters as a phenomenon, the disaster management process and its close relation to the risk management process, as well as the main players and mechanisms in disaster response.

CMDR COE hosted a delegation of SEEBRIG led by Brigadier General Numan Yediyildiz, TUR-A, SEEBRIG Commander, May 16 2016

The South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) was established in 1999 and is currently located in Larissa. The SEEBRIG consists of six NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations: Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Romania, and Turkey and has a purpose to promote regional stability and security in South-Eastern Europe.

CMDR COE for the second time hosted Partnership Realtime Information, Management and Exchange System (ePRIME) Training Course.On May 10, 2016 the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Center of Excellence (CMDR COE) for the second time hosted the Partnership Real time Information, Management and Exchange system (ePRIME) training course. This event is organized by the Cooperation and Regional Security Division, NATO HQ International Military Staff. » read more

The CMDR COE Mobile Education and Training Team conducted a Disaster Response Operations Course at SEEBRIG HQ

A Mobile Education and Training Team (METT), comprised of CMDR Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), conducted from 11 to 13 April 2016 a Disaster Response Operations Course at South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) HQ, Larissa, Greece. Thirty five participants from SEEBRIG HQ – representatives from Albania, Bulgaria, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia[1], Greece, Romania, and Turkey took part and successfully completed the course.

CMDR COE celebrates one year activation as a NATO Military Body

One year after the decision of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) for the accreditation of the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence, the Centre celebrates its activation as a NATO Military Body.

Five-Day Crisis Management and Disaster Response NATO Selected Course Concludes

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course took place from 21 to 25 March 2016 at the CMDR COE.

The aim of the course is to provide the attendees with basic knowledge to NATO Crisis Management fundamentals, NATO Crisis Response System, and its complementary elements - NATO Crisis Management Process, Civil Emergency Planning, and Operations Planning, as well as Disaster Response main actors.

CMDR COE, HQ SACT Host 2016 COE Legal Advisors (LEGADs) Conference in Sofia

Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT) in cooperation with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE), successfully conducted the 2016 COE Legal Advisors (LEGADs) Conference in Sofia on 24-25 February 2016.

CMDR COE participated in Civil Emergency Planning Work shop

Ministry of Interior, supported by Civil-Emergency Planning Representative at Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to NATO, organized and conducted from 17 to 18 February 2016 CEP Workshop: Towards Operational, Coherent and Effective Civil Crisis Response Measures.

LESSONS IDENTIFIED CONFERENCE FOR EADRCC EXERCISE UKRAINE 2015 TAKES PLACE IN SOFIA, BULGARIA

The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) in cooperation with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) conducted a Lessons Identified Conference for the EADRCC Exercise Ukraine 2015 in Sofia on 25-27 January, 2016.

CMDR COE will lead NATO STO new group for modelling and simulation

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in the Kick - Off meeting of the NATO M&S Group 147 “M&S Support for Crisis and Disaster Management processes, and Climate Change implications”.

This event will take place on 17^th and 18^th March 2016 at the Arena Di Serdica Hotel in Sofia (Bulgaria).

Implications of Climate Change and Disasters on Military Activities: Building Resiliency and Mitigating Vulnerability in the Balkan Region

CMDR COE would like to share with counterparts, collaborators and the whole crisis management and disaster response community of interest its first good news for the New 2016.

Training Requirements Analysis Workshop Brings Together Subject Matter Experts in Lively Discussion

The Training Requirements Analysis (TRA) workshop for the discipline Military role and tasks in Crisis Management/Disaster Relief was held on 13-14 January 2016 in Shipka Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. The workshop was attended by more than 20 participants from eight EU countries (AUT, BEL, GER, BUL, FIN, CYP, POL, ROM) and EU Military Training Group (EUMTG). The Working Group comprised experts from the Bulgarian National Defense College, other COEs, Defense Ministries and EU institutions.

Second Strategic Level Course Sets Positive Trend

CMDR COE has executed successfully from 1 to 3 December 2015, for the second consecutive time a course with the aim of providing Strategic Decision Makers with comprehensive knowledge of NATO Crisis Response Operations Planning.

Excellent Feedback Received as Pilot Disaster Management Course Wrapped Up

CMDR COE successfully conducted the first Disaster Management Course from 17th to 19th November 2015.

During the 3-day course participants acquired basic knowledge related to disasters as a phenomenon, the disaster management process and its close relation to the risk management process, as well as the main players and mechanisms in disaster response.

Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course was successfully conducted

CMDR COE successfully conducted for the second consecutive time the Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course from 20th to 22nd October 2015.

The aim of the course was directed at acquisition of comprehensive knowledge related to Crisis Management in NATO, functioning of NATO Crisis Response System with emphasis on NATO Crisis Response Planning at operational level.

CMDR COE Holds Third Steering Committee Meeting

On October 14-15, 2015, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) hosted its Steering Committee Meeting for the third year.

The annual sessions are the venue where the Framework Nation and Sponsoring Nations set out all required prerequisites to be provided by the CMDR COE every year.

Military Attaché Corps Visit

The Sofia Military Attaché Corps has paid a visit to the Crisis Management and Disaster Response COE. The attaches were familiarized with the ongoing projects objectives of the Centre and met with its staff members. Col Roussinov, CMDR COE Director presented the main activities and focused attention to their significant contribution to the enhancing of nationwide capabilities for crisis management and disaster response.

CMDR COE Successfully Conducted Interagency Interaction Seminar

The CMDR COE has carried out its third annual Interagency Interaction Seminar at Boyana Residence, Sofia, Bulgaria in the period 8-9 JUN 2015.

The keynote speakers of the seminar were Mr. Dimitar Kyumyurdzhiev – Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Guenter Bretschneider - Head of the CEPOS, IS, NATO HQ, RADM Chris Sadler - Reserve Deputy Director, Maritime Operations U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Col Vassil ROUSSINOV – CMDR COE Director.

CMDR COE to Launch Third Annual Seminar and Urbanisation Experiment Final Coordination Conference

The CMDR COE is pleased to announce the launch of its third Interagency Interaction Seminar combined with the Urbanisation Experiment Final Coordination Conference (FCC) and Experiment Control Training Session.

The two major events are scheduled to take place at Boyana Residence, Sofia, Bulgaria in the period 8-12 JUN 2015.

The Interagency Interaction Seminar will be held over the course of two days - 8-9 JUN, 2015.

CMDR COE hosted Partnership Realtime Information, Management and Exchange System (ePRIME) Training Course.

On May 27th 2015 the Bulgarian Deputy Defence Minister, Mr. Dimitar Kyumyurdzhiev formally opened the Partnership Real time Information, Management and Exchange system (ePRIME) training course. This event is organized by the Cooperation and Regional Security Division, NATO HQ International Military Staff, led by Rear Admiral Emil Eftimov. This course is hosted by the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Center of Excellence (CMDR COE).

CMDR COE CONDUCTED ITS FIRST COURSE AS ACCREDITED NATO BODY

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course was successfully conducted from 19 to 21 MAY 2015 by CMDR COE.

The aim of the course was to provide the attendees with theoretical foundations of NATO Structure and Crisis Management. In addition, the teamworks allowed the participants to apply the theoretical knowledge into practice interacting with respective NATO entities.

CMDR COE Annual Seminar Info Package

CMDR COE is pleased to announce that its third annual seminar for Crisis Management and Disaster Response Interagency Interaction will be held at the Boyana Residency, Sofia from Monday 8th June to Tuesday 09th June 2015.

Three ideas underlie this year seminar as clustered in the shape of three plenary sessions.

CENTRE HAS EARNED STATUS AS THE 21st NATO COE AND ACTIVATION AS A NATO MILITARY BODY

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) is delighted to announce that the on 31st March the silence procedure by NAC has ended and the Centre has earned status as the 21st NATO COE and its activation as a NATO Military Body with a granted international status under Article 14 of the Paris Protocol, as recommended by HQ SACT.

Climate Change Adaptation Seminar Unveiled

After successful conduction of the seminar "Visualizing Implication of Climate Change on Military Activities and Relationships" in 2013, its successor "Building Resiliency and Decreasing Vulnerability through Climate Change Adaptation" was unveiled on 30 March 2015. Commodore Mihaylov, director of the Operations and Training Directorate - Bulgarian MOD, formally opened the seminar in Triaditza Hall at Grand Hotel Sofia. The event brings together flag-level representatives of governmental bodies from several NATO countries and 4 PfP nations. It is hosted again by CMDR COE and organized in partnership with the U.S. European Command.

CMDR COE Supports Ex-Balkan Bridges`2015 IPC

The aim of this hybrid training event is to enhance Balkan States′ capabilities to respond to a regional crisis while testing and improving interoperability of their Modeling and Simulation capabilities.

The IPC organized by Joint Force Command, was held in Charalitsa on 18 and 19 of March 2015. Participants from Ankara, Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia, Tirana and NATO – JFTC took part in the meeting.

The busy schedule of the event included brief and discussions on the EXPLAN, Geo-strategic situation and initial assessment. Fruitful syndicate work with important deliverables for the exercise development process were held.

Rewarding Outcome of the Higher Command Crisis Response Operations Course

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) successfully conducted the pilot Higher Command Crisis Response Operations Course from 24th to 26th of February 2015.

The aim of the course was to introduce the attendees to the competences and tools, enabling successful application of solutions in response to crisis in national or international environment.

The objectives were fully covered over the course of three days which resulted in common understanding on NATO Crisis Management and Political-Military relations and armed the participants with proper tools for management of main activities connected to Political-Military Estimate at Strategic Level.

CMDR COE Hosts the Final Adaptation Planning Conference for NATO Crisis Management Exercise 2015

On Dec 16th, 2014, the Bulgarian Deputy Defence Minister, Mr. Dimitar Kyumyurdzhiev formally opened the Final Adaptation Planning Conference (FAPC) for the Crisis Management Exercise (CMX) 2015. Involving 153 participants from NATO states plus Australia, Japan and Ukraine it had the aim to finalize and adapt the training efforts in order to carry out successfully the upcoming CMX 2015 as effectively and efficiently as possible. "We, representatives of all member states, must be responsible for ensuring that we have in place crisis management and organization capable for managing any unexpected situation. We have to maintain and further develop our capabilities as to fulfill the expectation that the public has entrusted us", pointed Mr. Kyumyurdzhiev in his opening speech.

Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course was successfully conducted

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) successfully conducted the pilot Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course from 26th to 28th November 2014.

Numerous experts attended the course including representatives from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, JFC, Army, Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection under the Ministry of Interior, Bulgarian Red Cross, as well as representatives from the Defence Administration Office and the Ministry of Human Resources of Hungary, and the CCD COE, Estonia.

Successful Accreditation visit to CMDR COE

On 24-25 November 2014, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) hosted two important events – the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting and the Accreditation Visit from HQ SACT.

During the Steering Committee meeting on 24 November, the SC members approved the proposed Program of Work 2015 of the Centre as well as the proposed CMDR COE budget estimates for FY-2015.

CMDR COE hosted NATO Flag-level StratCom Course

On 22 October 2014, the Deputy Chief of Defence, Major General Konstantin Popov opened the Flag-level Strategic Communications Course.

Organized by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and CMDR COE in partnership with HQ SACT and STRATCOM COE, the course brings together flag-level representatives of governmental bodies from 11 countries - with the goal to enhance the common understanding in the field of Public Diplomacy, Public Affairs, Information Operations and Psychological Operations.

Another international assignment at CMDR COE

CMDR COE is pleased to announce that COL Jarosław KUBISZ is joining the Centre to run our Transformation Branch activities.

COL Jarosław KUBISZ representing the Polish Armed Forces (PAF). He finished officers′ military school in 1994, and Academy of National Defence in 2002. Last time he served inter alia in Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the PAF and Crisis Management Centre of the Ministry of National Defence. In both mentioned above institutions he has dealing with crisis management matters in PAF and NATO as well.

CMDR COE will conduct Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course

Crisis management is one of the fundamental security tasks of the Alliance along with collective defense and cooperative security. Depending on the nature of the crisis, different types of crisis management operations may be required. The good operations planning process understanding is essential for all NATO Planners. In line with this, Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) developed and will run pilot Crisis Response Operations Planners Professional Development Course from 26th to 28th November 2014. The course will be held in English at Shipka hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Opening ceremony of the CMDR COE as an International Organization

"We have to learn to counter effectively to the new hybrid type of crisis and disasters, destabilizations and confrontations. And this Centre is a way ahead", stated the Bulgarian president Mr. Rosen Plevneliev in his address to the Opening ceremony of the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) as an International Organization. The ceremony was with the presence of ambassadors and military attaches of diplomatic missions accredited to the Republic of Bulgaria, commanders of the armed forces, and representatives of other ministries and departments.

A Standing Invitation to the CMDR COE from the Tennessee National Guard

The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) welcomed Major General Terry M. Haston, the Adjutant General Tennessee National Guard for an official visit on August 7th, 2014.

During his visit, Maj. General Haston had an office call with the CMDR COE Director, Col. Vassil Roussinov. The meeting was attended by Maj Hancock, bilateral affairs officer, Office for Defense Cooperation of US Embassy and CMDR COE branch chiefs, Col Nikolay Nikolov and LtC Dimitar Dimitrov.

Outstanding upshots gained from the CMDR COE’s Annual Seminar

CMDR COE has successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Seminar, which is designed to facilitate meeting of experts and sharing of experience among bodies dealing with crisis and disaster response. The event took place from 1st to 3rd July, 2014 in Sofia.

Interagency interaction in crisis management and disaster response was the main topic of the seminar. "...If we are united and share our common experiences we will be ready to tackle the different and sometimes unexpected crises and disasters. Crucial for this is the interagency cooperation..." pointed out Rear Admiral Petev in his opening speech.

Fruitful cooperation between CMDR COE and TEMA

CMDR COE delegation was in Nashville, Tennessee to attend the four-day 2014 CAPSTONE exercise (16-19 June 14) led by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). The purpose of this visit was to make acquaintance with the TEMA procedures and practices of designing and conducting disaster response exercises. The current one was on a scenario of an earthquake with magnitude 7.7 resulting into severe impacts in 8 states. During the exercise were briefings and presentations concerning the organization and responsibilities of the state′s entities in response of a disaster. CMDR COE team held meetings with representatives from the private sector and Red Cross & Red Crescent who present their engagements in case of emergencies. The CMDR COE delegation was well received by MGen Terry M. Haston, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Military as he praised the successful partnership between CMDR COE and the State of Tennessee. He also highlighted ideas for further cooperation as more significant contributions by civilian organizations from NATO countries.

Another International recognition for the CMDR COE

The CMDR COE has received a formal letter of appreciation on behalf of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff. It recognizes the great efforts CMDR COE Mobile Training Team has done to conduct courses in regard of the of exercise SEESIM 14 preparation process. Expressing special thanks, the Croatian site states the desire to develop cooperation in future.

CMDR COE hosted the workshop Military Medical Response in Disaster Management

On 28-30 April 2014, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) hosted the workshop Military Medical Response in Disaster Management, sponsored by US European Command (USEUCOM) and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence. The 3-day workshop focused on topics related to principles and practices of medical and psychological support in military missions as well as in operations in response of disasters. The workshop was attended by more than 25 participants from the Bulgarian Military Medical Academy, Joint Force Command, Land Forces, Air Force, medical experts from the services HQs, and Bulgarian Red Cross. Informative presentations delivered by instructors of 212-th Combat Support Hospital and Military Medical Academy and fruitful discussions during each session treated of important issues like framework of disaster planning process, components of basic and contingency plans, psychological aspects of disaster reaction and preventive medicine.

Exercise Planners’ Training Course was conducted by CMDR COE NDA Mobile Training Team (MTT)

The Exercise Planners′ Training Course was conducted by the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) National Defense Academy Mobile Training Team (MTT) in conjunction with the SEESIM 14 Main Planning Conference (MPC) in the Croatian Defense Academy in Zagreb from 31 March to 1 April 2014.

The course was designed to enhance the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of NATO and Partners′ Exercise Planners. The course was attended by 46 participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Romania, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, USA, Greece, and SEEBRIG.

The participants were familiarized by members of the MTT with NATO and EU approaches in crisis management and disaster response as well the main exercise planning documents and stages. Presentations "Introduction to Exercise Planning Process", "NATO and EU Crisis Management Systems and Mechanisms", "Main Stages in NATO Exercise Planning Process", "Computer Assisted Exercises and Simulations", and "NATO Crisis Management and Operations Planning" was included in the main part of the course.

High level visits in the CMDR COE and SABER GUARDIAN exercise

U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, Marcie B. Ries paid a special visit to the Host Nation Coordination Cell (HNCC) a component of Saber Guardian 2014 co-hosted by the CMDR COE. The Ambassador took part in a VTC with the 7th Civil Support Commander at Novo Selo Training Area and expressed an active interest in matters of the exercise. The Ambassador familiarized with the objectives and goals of Saber Guardian 14 provided realism to the exercise execution. The CMDR COE then hosted the Ambassador at their headquarters where she met with the CMDR Staff.

CMDR COE participates in the Saber Guardian 2014 Exercise

U.S. Army Europe (US EUCOM) and the Bulgarian Land Forces Soldiers kicked off Saber Guardian 2014 on Mar 31, 2014.

Saber Guardian 2014 is a multinational training exercise designed to reinforce U.S. Army Europe′s commitment to increasing regional flexibility, preserving and enhancing NATO interoperability, and facilitating multinational training.

USAREUR Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard Longo, and Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Land Forces, Brig. Gen. Krasimir Kanev, will serve as this year′s exercise co-directors.

A Mobile Training Team (MTT) has conducted a Crisis Management and Disaster Response Workshop 17-19 Feb 14, Larissa, Greece

A Mobile Training Team (MTT) consisted by lectures from the CMDR COE and National Defense Academy has conducted a Crisis Management and Disaster Response Workshop. It took place at the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) HQ in Greece from 17 to 19 February 2014. The MTT was led by col.Lyubomir Simeonov, Deputy Chief of National Defence Academy

The SEEBRIG was established and activated by seven participating Nations on 31st of August 1999 and is currently located in Larissa. The workshop goals were to provide educational information and details for the Crisis Management understanding and the NATO COEs Network covering the HQ staff area of interest by:

Civil-Military Interaction: Disaster Preparation and Response Workshop has been opened and conducted

A welcoming speech of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Matthias Hoepfner has opened the Civil-Military Interaction: Disaster Preparation and Response Workshop, which is taking place in Sofia, 11-13 February 2014. The event is under the patronage of George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and co-hosted with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE). The workshop is attended by representatives from civilian and military structures from 11 countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece , FYROM, Kosovo, Romania , Croatia, Montenegro and USA. In addition on the American side taking part are delegations from the National Guard of the states of Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Tennessee as part of the State Partnership Program.

The Final Planning Conference of the exercise Saber Guardian 14 has finished successfully

The Final Planning Conference of the exercise Saber Guardian 14 was held in Sofia last week (3-7 Feb 2014). The CMDR COE experts headed by LtC Orlin Nikolov, head of Capabilities Branch, participated in the workshops of the Contingency Management Planning/Unified Action (CPM/UA) syndicate.

On February 5, 2015, the CPM/UA members met with representatives of several GOs and NGOs. The meeting was arranged by the CMDR COE and co-hosted with the J9 USEUCOM as there were entities as Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection, State Agency of National Security, State Agency for Refugees, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Military Medical Academy, Red Cross, Caritas Bulgaria, Gender Research Foundation, Tennessee National Guard, Bulgarian Modeling and Simulation Association (BULSIM). The purpose of the meeting was to present them the scenario and storyline of their engagement into the exercise.

The initial planning conference for the SEESIM 14 exercise was held in Zagreb, Croatia

The initial planning conference for the distributed computer assisted exercise South Eastern Europe Simulation Network (SEESIM 14) was held in Zagreb, Croatia. The Republic of Bulgaria is co-organizer and participates actively in the conducting of the exercise together with the Host Nation. Among the participants are also representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, United States of America and the SEEBRIG.

The exercise is held under the auspices of the Ministers of Defence of the SEE Nations.

CMDR COE FEBRUARY Forthcoming events

In 3-7 of February experts from the CMDR COE team will take part in the Final Planning Conference of the SABER GUARDIAN ′14 Exercise, organized by the US EUCOM and BGR LANDFORCE.

The purpose of the exercise is to train and educate civilian and military participants in planning and conducting an UN mandated Chapter VII Peace Operation/Crisis Response Operation, based on a Comprehensive Approach, and focusing on co-operation and co-ordination within an unstable environment, involving all stakeholders. The principal exercise focus is the civilian-military cooperation and coordination. The scenario supports exercising a wide range of peace operations functions (e.g. rule of law, humanitarian, etc.). The CMDR COE will contribute to achieving the exercise objectives by providing subject matter expert support in the CMDR area and by organizing distributed point for White cell.

In 11-13 February 2014 the Civil-Military Interaction: Disaster Preparedness and Response Workshop will take place in Sofia. The workshop is sponsored by the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and the CMDR COE. The workshop comprises lectures dedicated to NATO and EU Crisis Management, role of military in civil security, risk management, as well as discussions and tabletop exercise.

Internal CMDR COE Seminar on the Crisis in Syria

The CMDR COE organised an internal seminar which was held on 20.12.2013. The main focus of the seminar was the crisis in Syria. The CMDR COE experts discussed issued related to the chronology of the crisis; the increased influx of refugees to neighbouring countries and Bulgaria; the positions of NATO, the UN and EU; the involvement of international humanitarian organisations etc.

Visualizing Implications of Climate Change on Military Activities and Relationships was conducted

On 11-12 December 2013, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) co-hosted together with US European Command (USEUCOM) and the US embassy in Bulgaria the workshop Visualizing Implications of Climate Change on Military Activities and Relationships. The opening remarks were given by the Deputy Minister of Defence of Bulgaria, Mr. Ivan Ivanov, who welcomed the participants and underlined the importance of the topics that the workshop focused on.

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