Panel Discussion “Enhancing National Resilience: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward”,
Date: (08-04-2025)
“Resilience shouldn’t sit only at the top — it has to live with the people. Strong communities are the foundation of strong national resilience.”
This powerful idea echoed across discussions during yesterday’s event on “Enhancing National Resilience: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward”, hosted by Rakovski National Defence College with the support of the U.S. Institute for Security Governance. The event brought together representatives from the executive branch, academia, and the private sector – a true milestone for Bulgaria's whole-of-society approach to resilience.
#CMDRCOE was actively involved, with its Director, Colonel Orlin Nikolov joining the third panel: “The Role of Academia in Building National Capacity – Expanding Engagement and Connecting Theory with Practice.”
Resilience is most effective when it is inclusive – involving humanitarian organizations, academic institutions, local communities, and government. The discussion focused on how academic institutions can contribute to national resilience by turning research into actionable policies, building effective partnerships, and reaching beyond the defense sector to engage society as a whole.
The event was opened by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Atanas Zapryanov, who underscored the need for coordinated national policies. Major General Stayko Prokopiev, Commandant of the Rakovski Defence College, also highlighted the College’s commitment to promoting NATO and EU best practices in resilience as part of Bulgaria’s national effort. The working sessions began with a keynote by Rebecca Eastwick-Haskell, Deputy Head of NATO’s Resilience Section, outlining NATO’s priorities in building allied resilience against emerging challenges.
CMDR COE is proud to support this shared vision and remains committed to advancing practical, inclusive resilience at both the national and NATO level.
News
Participation to “NATO Career Opportunities” MeetingThe CMDR COE interns Asya ARSOVA, Can UYAR, Ekaterina POPOVA under the supervision of LTC Svetozar BOSILKOV, LTC Margarita KUMANOVA attended to “NATO Career Opportunities” meeting.
» read more
Enhancing Military Preparedness - BALTDEFCOL Hosts Managing Contemporary Crisis ModuleStudents from 15 Nations Engage in Critical Training on Crisis Management and Resilience
» read more
Bundswehr Command and Staff College Senior Course VisitCMDR COE welcomed on 13 February 2025 distinguished students from the Senior Course of Bundeswehr Command and Staff College.
» read more
Visit of JFCNP J9 representativesOn 12 February 2025 representatives from JFCNP paid a visit to CMDR COE.
» read more
Vitosha Mountain ClimbingAs part of the series of events on the occasion of the 10th CMDR COE Anniversary, representatives from the CMDR COE and Embassies enjoyed the mounting climbing of Vitosha on 12 February.
» read more
CMDR COE Hosted a Meeting on Space Weather Data Processing for Improving Resilience ModelsCMDR COE successfully hosted a virtual meeting on 11-12 February 2025, as part of the NATO Modeling and Simulation Group-235 initiative on Space Weather Data Processing for Improving Resilience Models.
» read more
The Spring Iteration of the CMDR COE Internship Programme commencedNew interns were welcomed in CMDR COE looking forward for opportunities provided by the Centre.
» read more
Analysis and Lessons Learned Training in the CMDR COEThe JALLC Advisory and Training Team (JATT) conducted an Analysis and Lessons Learned Training of the CMDR COE staff from 03 to 05 FEB 2025.
» read more
CMDR COE hosted Coordination Board Meeting of MCCEOn 28 and 29 JAN 2025, the CMDR COE hosted Coordination Board Meeting of the Movement Coordination Centre Europe (MCCE).
» read more
Pioneering Partnerships in Crisis Management and Aviation MeteorologyCMDR COE and BULATSA Explore Synergies to Address Climate Challenges and Enhance Flight Operations Safety
» read more
Strengthening Crisis Preparedness: Insights from "Darb al-Aman 4"A National Emergency Exercise in Jordan Unites Over 3,500 Participants to Tackle Traditional and Modern Threats
» read more
Fruitful cooperation with the Bulgarian National Defence CollegeCMDR COE’s expert participated in the annual visit of the NATO Defense College′s Senior Course.
» read more
A strategic thinking for crisis responseCourse on Strategic Decision-Making for CRO, 25-29 Nov 2024
» read more
27th Environmental protection (EP) Working GroupCMDR COE representatives took part in the 27th EPWG, conducted from 20 to 22 November 2024 in the NATO HQ in Brussels.
» read more
NITEC and IPB conferencesFrom 19–21 November 2024, the Education Training Programmes and Plans (ETPP) division of the Multi-Domain Force Development Directorate (MDFD/ACT) successfully organized and conducted the annual NATO Individual Training and Education Conference (NITEC) and the NATO ITEP Planning Board (IPB) Conference.
» read more
World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) DayCMDR COE representatives participated to the largest GIS event.
» read more
Online conduct of the GFP courseThe CMDR COE welcomed virtually a group of military and civilian learners to the NATO-approved Gender Focal Point course (GFPC).
» read more
Strategic Leadership Workshop Enhances Moldova′s Border SecurityInternational Collaboration and Crisis Management Strategies Foster Regional Stability and EU Integration Efforts
» read more
Playing largest CAX/CPX of 2024Steadfast Duel 2024 computer-assisted command post exercise
» read more
CMDR COE Steering Committee (SC) meetingThe 12th CMDR COE SC was conducted from 30 to 31 October 2024.
» read more
CMDR COE Academic Advisory Board (AAB) meetingOn 29 October 2024 in Sofia was held the 5th CMDR COE Academic Advisory Board meeting.
» read more
Participation to the Planning Conference of Exercise SEVEN STARS 2025On 24 and 25 October 2024, CMDR COE representatives Colonel Lazarov and Lieutenant Colonel Aleksandrov visited South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG).
» read more
25th World GIS DayNATO and leading international experts arrive in Sofia for the 25th World GIS Day.
» read more
Completed NATO-Approved CMDR courseWe are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our NATO-Approved Crisis Management and Disaster Response course!
» read more
Hosted Staff Officers Meeting of the National Reserve Forces CommitteeFrom 15 to 17 October 2024 CMDR COE, in coordination with the Human Resources Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, co-hosted the Staff Officers Meeting of the National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC).
» read more




