Joint Operations Planning Introduction Course
Date: (26-09-2025)
The Joint Operations Planning Introduction Course took place at the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) from 22 to 26 September 2025, bringing together 16 participants from five NATO and partner nations in a dynamic, in-person setting.
This foundational course was designed to introduce the key principles, procedures, and practical aspects of NATO’s Operations Planning Process. Participants explored critical components such as the operational planning framework, planning phases, stakeholder coordination, and best practices in building joint plans within a multinational environment.
Throughout the four-day training, the course encouraged active participation, syndicate work, and scenario-based tasks, which enhanced the participants’ critical thinking, teamwork, and planning skills. The curriculum focused on enabling students to understand the complexity of joint operations and to foster interoperability in planning efforts across national and organizational boundaries.
The CMDR COE was proud to host highly experienced instructors and subject matter experts, who guided participants through each phase of the planning process, while offering insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
This course reaffirmed CMDR COE’s commitment to supporting NATO’s education and training efforts by preparing personnel to contribute effectively to crisis response and joint operational planning at all levels.
News
Gained Cup at the 8th Sofia Ekiden (Relay) MarathonThe CMDR COE Team won the cup in the category Governmental Institutions at the 8th Sofia Ekiden (Relay) Marathon on 6 September 2022.
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Welcome Newcomers
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Extension of the Technical Agreement between CMDR COE and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval AcademyAn Annex to the Tehnical Agreement was signed between the CMDR COE and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy formalizing the commitment to implement the agreed activities within the next 5 years.
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ESDC Press Release on the Disaster Relief in CSDP Context CourseThe European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the course on Disaster Relief in CSDP Context, together with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence, the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and the Romanian National College of Home Affairs.
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Spring 2022 CMDR COE Interns successfully complete their internship Interns present their research on CMDR-related topics.
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Disaster Relief in CSDP Context CourseThe aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge about the impact of man-made, natural and climate driven disasters on the European Security.
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Honorary Award from the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute CMDR COE Director awarded for contribution
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NATO Partnerships 360 SymposiumCMDR COE Panelist to the NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium.
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New life for used plastic – the CMDR COE launches a recycling initiativeThe CMDR COE new approach to reducing plastic pollution.
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Representatives from UK and US Embassies paid a visit to CMDR COEThe CMDR COE is proud to announce that on 31st of May 2022 a meeting with representatives from The United Kingdom Embassy to Bulgaria and the United States Embassy to Bulgaria was held.
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Visit of the Chief of Defence of the Republic of TurkeyOn 31st of May, 2022, General Yaşar Güler, Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces paid an official visit to CMDR COE.
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Role of Crisis DiplomacyTogether with Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI) online iteration of the Crisis Management in Multilateral Frameworks (IGOs): The Role of Political/Civilian and Military Crisis Diplomacy Course
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Signed Note of Joining of Hungary to CMDR COEWe are proud to announce that a Note of Joining of Hungary to CMDR OOE was signed at the Headquarters of the Allied Command of Transformation.
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Visit of the JFCNP ACOS J9Brigadier General Marcus Ellermann paid a visit to the CMDR COE
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Successful hybrid iteration of the Climate Change and Security CourseAnother successful iteration of the Climate Change and Security course took place from 05 to 08 April 2022 on the CMDR COE premises in Sofia, and online.
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Climate Change and Security Course startedToday, 5th April, the Climate Change and Security Course began. The course is conducted under the auspicious of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), with the support of the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
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CMDR COE celebrated its 7th AnniversaryOn 31 March 2022, CMDR COE celebrated its 7th Anniversary
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Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course successfully completedThe hyrbid (residential and on-line) edition of the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course was conducted in the period 21-25 Mar 2022 from the virtual studio of CMDR COE.
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