The CMDR COE participated in the high-profile NATO Concept Development & Experimentation Conference in Verona
Date: (26-11-2025)
Last week, representatives from the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE), Major Ralitsa Bakalova and Professor Mitko Stoykov, participated in the high-profile NATO Concept Development & Experimentation (CD&E) Conference, held in Verona. This landmark event was dedicated to advancing the synergy between concept development and wargaming to support the development of future forces.
This year’s conference featured a dynamic mix of plenary and panel sessions, bringing together NATO experts, national delegates, and members of Centres of Excellence to explore innovative approaches to concept development and wargaming, and to discuss practical methods for enhancing future operational readiness. Attendees benefited from engaging speakers, focused discussions, and valuable networking opportunities aimed at accelerating concept innovation in defence domains.
CMDR COE actively contributed to plenary sessions, panel discussions, and specialised working groups, sharing expertise on Red Team methodologies, adversarial simulations, and the integration of wargaming insights into operational planning.
Our experts’ involvement reflects Bulgaria’s growing recognition as a hub for knowledge distribution within NATO and highlights our commitment, as a Centre of Excellence, to fostering defence collaboration and enhancing security in the Trans-Atlantic region.
The conference provided a practical, forward-looking foundation for NATO’s transformation agenda. By combining concept development with wargaming, the Alliance is now positioned to adapt more quickly and effectively to evolving security challenges.
News
Broader Initiative to Fortify ResilienceResilience workshop focused on Public Private Partnership
» read more
Navigating Resilience: A Journey through CMDR COE Internship with Ms. Tsveti MonovaExploring the Interplay of Strategic Communications and Resilience in the Military Context
» read more
Strategic Collaboration and Future Synergies: A Diplomatic Dialogue at CMDR COEExploring Partnerships for Crisis Management and Disaster Response between Denmark and the Republic of Bulgaria.
» read more
Participation in I/ITSEC 2023CMDR COE delivered an article on the subject “Refugee Flow Management and Resilience Implications”
» read more
Professionals Conclude Intensive Course on Strategic Decision-Making for Crisis Response OperationsEmpowering Leaders with Critical Skills in Crisis Management
» read more
Kick-off meeting for MSG-221 ProjectMSG – 221: M&S in Support of Building Resilience and Management of People Mass Movement
» read more
Annual CMDR COE Academic Advisory Board and Steering Committee meetingsFrom 24 to 26 October 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria was conducted the 4th CMDR COE AAB and the 11th CMDR COE SC meetings.
» read more
That’s a wrap for 2023!Successful completion of the NATO-approved Gender Focal Point Course online iteration
» read more
Solidifying partnership The CMDR COE Director and the NCGM Commandant reaffirm commitment to cooperation
» read more
Expert Workshop on Gender PerspectivesThe CMDR COE successfully concluded an Expert Workshop on Gender Perspectives
» read more
CMDR COE Extends Crucial Assistance to Jordan′s National ExerciseCMDR COE Collaborates with Jordan in Evaluating Earthquake Preparedness.
» read more
Multinational Crisis Management CourseA course for the Jordanian Public Security Directorate
» read more
Collaboration with an universityAgreement with the University of National and World Economy (UNWE).
» read more
Practice of crisis management proceduresA training session took place on June 7, 2023, at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs...
» read more
Future cooperation between the CMDR COE and the GATE InstituteOn Tuesday 6th of June 2023, the Director of Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE), Prof. Silvia Ilieva...
» read more
