CMDR COE and Space COE Hosted STO MSG-235 Working Meeting in Toulouse
Date: (29-06-2026)
Toulouse, France, 24 June 2026 — The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE), together with the NATO Space Centre of Excellence (Space COE), hosted a working meeting of the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO) MSG-235 Research Task Group, “Space Weather Data Processing for Improving Resilience Models”, in Toulouse, France.
The meeting brought together military, scientific, academic and industry experts to review the progress achieved to date under MSG-235 and to coordinate the next steps in developing a scientific and technical framework for processing space weather data in support of resilience modelling. CMDR COE was represented by COL Orlin Nikolov, PhD, Director of CMDR COE, Chair of MSG-235, and experts from the Centre. International participants included representatives from ThinkTank Maths Limited, the University of Genova and Simulation Team, GMV, the Royal Observatory of Belgium /STCE-SIDC/, and the German Aerospace Centre /DLR/.
The two-day meeting focused on the current status of MSG-235, national and stakeholder updates, the presentation of the technical approach, and a structured review of the project’s technical report. Participants discussed data sources, technical requirements, analytical methods, validation needs, potential use cases, roles and responsibilities, and the roadmap for the next phases of the project.
A key objective of the meeting was to strengthen the link between scientific research, technical development and operational applicability. The discussions confirmed the importance of transforming space weather data into practical information that can support risk assessment, decision-making and resilience models in crisis management and disaster response contexts. The meeting also contributed to refining the MSG-235 technical report and helped identify further actions related to data processing, platform development, stakeholder coordination and future deliverables. The in-person format enabled focused technical dialogue and improved coordination among the participating organisations.
MSG-235 continues the work initiated under previous NATO STO activities related to space weather and resilience. The group aims to support NATO and partner nations by exploring how space weather data can be better processed, interpreted and applied to improve understanding of cascading risks and the resilience of critical systems. Through its leading role in MSG-235, CMDR COE continues to support NATO’s science and technology efforts by connecting operational needs with research, modelling and technical innovation. The Centre remains committed to developing practical solutions that enhance preparedness, situational awareness and decision-support capabilities in complex crisis environments.
News
Contribution of CMDR COE to Exercise Belene 2021Appreciation of the CMDR COE efforts to the Exrcise Belene 2021 success.
» read more
Disaster Management Course 24-28 MayRecognizing the increasing role of physical and human induced disasters in contemporary and future security environment, from 24 May to 28 May 2021, CMDR COE conducts Disaster Management Course.
» read more
Pilot Course of Crisis Management in Multilateral FormatA course with the Diplomatic Institute, 11-13 May 2021
» read more
6th May Award CeremonyFor great achievements in service, merits to the defence of the country and in connection with the 6th May – The Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Armed Forces Celebration, the Bulgarian Minister of Defence awarded personnel from CMDR COE.
» read more
6th CMDR COE AnniversaryOn the 31st March 2015 CMDR COE received the official accreditation from the North Atlantic Council and was activated as a NATO military body with international status.
» read more
Crisis Management and Disaster Response Course accomplished its goalsA challenging and constructive 2021 online iteration
» read more
Awarded by the Bulgarian Chief of DefenceIn recognition of the exceptional contribution to Balkan Bridges′2019 Exercise, ADM Emil EFTIMOV awarded COL Orlin NIKOLOV and LTC Valeri TONEV.
» read more
First NATO-certified GFP course for 2021Continuing the enlargement of the Gender Focal Point Community
» read more
Continuous Cooperation with Local AuthoritiesAn initial planning conference for exercise in the town of Belene
» read more
Centre′s Participation in ACT Online ConferenceLooking at ways to improve logistics management, pandemic analysis and Information Environment Assessment capabilities
» read more
Deserved Recognition – Firefighter of Year 2020A distinguished contribution of CMDR COE team
» read more
Co-organising and Hosting North Macedonia 2021 Online WebinarEADRCC together with CMDR COE in a Webinar, January 27
» read more
Co-organising and Hosting Module4 of The 15 High level Course in CSDPThe European Security and Defence College (ESDC), the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, the CMDR COE and the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) joined forces in enabling a collaborative training experience for senior leaders.
CMDR COE Assists Iraqi National Defence CollegeA Crisis Management Exercise Methodology Webinar in support of NATO Deep Iraq Programme – NATO Mission Iraq
» read more
The MSG-187 Has Commenced MSG-187 ′Space Weather Environmental Modelling′ (SWEM) is led by CMDR COE
» read more
A Monthly Stipend for Prospective Young Professionals The CMDR COE′s Internship Programme introduces a stipend for its successful internship candidates.
» read more
Geographic Information Systems DayAn online conference was held in Bulgaria on November 18 on the occasion of the World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.
» read more
Coordination Efforts for Crisis Management Exercise in 2021Development to assist municipalities’ efforts in crisis management and disaster response
» read more
Distinguished visit in CMDR COEWelcoming H. E. Mr. Jeong Jin-Kyu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Bulgaria.
» read more
Continuing the enlargement of the GFP CommunityFirst group of certified gender focal points at NATO Allied Command Operations.
» read more
Beneficial Cooperation with Local CommunityCMDR COE in support to Krasno Selo and Sixth District of Fire Safety and Civil Protection Service (FSCPS), Sofia Municipality
» read more
Towards On-Demand Personalized Training and Decision SupportA virtual symposium of NATO Modelling & Simulation Group
» read more
