CMDR COE Celebrated 11 Years of NATO Accreditation
Date: (17-04-2026)
This week was significant for the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE). The Centre marked the 11th anniversary of its accreditation with an official celebration attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, defence attachés, and longstanding institutional and civilian partners. The event reaffirmed the Centre’s expanding role within NATO’s network of Centres of Excellence and its ongoing contribution to crisis management and disaster response.
Among the distinguished guests were Bulgaria’s Deputy Ministers of Defence, Yordan Bozhilov and Zlatin Krastev; Director of the Defence Staff, Major General Zdravko Pehlivanov; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velizar Shalamanov; and Deputy Minister of Innovation, Borislav Bankov. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, defence attachés, the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior, as well as partners from the business and non-governmental sectors, also attended the anniversary celebration.
In his address, Deputy Minister of Defence Yordan Bozhilov highlighted the Centre’s steady development over the years, noting its respected status as an international institution contributing to research, capacity building, and capability development for NATO, Allies, and partners in both military and civilian contexts. He also stressed that in an increasingly unpredictable security environment, the ability to anticipate risks, strengthen resilience, and think ahead is now a necessity rather than merely an advantage.
CMDR COE Director Colonel Orlin Nikolov emphasised that the Centre’s broad range of activities demonstrates its determination to find solutions to both traditional and emerging security challenges. He noted that these efforts confirm the Centre’s growing importance as a preferred platform for cooperation, extending well beyond formal institutional boundaries.
The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of the Centre’s military and civilian personnel. Awards from the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence were presented in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the defence of the country, adding a special note of appreciation to the occasion.
Eleven years after its accreditation, CMDR COE continues to strengthen its position as a hub for expertise, partnership, and innovation, uniting nations, institutions, and professionals dedicated to building resilience and enhancing preparedness for future crises.
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