History

Official establishment of CMDR COE

The Ministry of Defence of Bulgaria laid the foundation of the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) on 23 November 2012. It is a Centre for research, development and improvement of capabilities for crisis management and disaster response, registered as a legal person under Art. 60 of the Administration Act. The structure was directly subordinated to the Minister of Defence and is located in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria. Its establishment size was provided through reducing the number of staff in the Ministry of Defence.

On 28th of August 2013 the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), the Operational MOU between the participating Nations and the Functional MOU between the Participating Nations and NATO HQ SACT were signed. The Sponsoring Nations of the organization are Poland and Greece, while Bulgaria is the Framework Nation.

Over the past 2 years, CMDR COE has worked closely with HQ SACT, NATO HQ and NATO subject matter experts to develop a detailed concept of support to meet the current and future needs of the Strategic Commanders for CMDR expertise. The positive results of these efforts were recognized through the HQ SACT formal accreditation assessment. The CMDR COE mission is focused in full compliance with the principles and provisions of Military Committee (MC) Concept for Centres of Excellence (dated 4 Dec 2003).

The CMDR COE met the accreditation requirements set by the MC and will provide support to NATO transformation and to the enhancement of NATO capabilities in the field of Crisis Management and Disaster Response, thereby adding value.

On 31st March after silence procedure by NAC has ended the Centre has officially earned status as the 21st NATO COE and has been activated as a NATO Military Body.

The Centre's aim is to pool expertise in order to improve interoperability, development and enhancement of NATO standards in building capacities for crisis management and disaster response; to provide assistance for the effective use of joint experience and capabilities of NATO, Nations, Partners and international organizations in the field of crisis management and disaster response; to provide education and training of military personnel, government officials and civilians, and organizational structures in the field of crisis management and disaster response.