NATO, Bulgaria to Hold Major Emergency Response Drills

In September 2025, Bulgaria will host the 20th Civil Emergency Response Exercise organised by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).

This was reported by the NATO press service.

These exercises are one of the largest and most complex training events for responding to disasters and dealing with the consequences of complex emergencies.

It will bring together representatives of Allies and partners, as well as other international organisations.

Participants will work through scenarios involving natural and man-made disasters, hybrid threats and complex emergencies. They will be able to test procedures related to the coordination of various activities and logistical support.

Such exercises help to test the ability of personnel from different countries to work effectively alongside each other, promote cooperation between civilian and military disaster responders, and develop the ability of Allies and partners to address complex and interconnected security threats.

Such exercises are essential for building resilience and preparing for potential challenges, including those related to climate change.

The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre is NATO's primary mechanism for responding to civil emergencies. It is at the disposal of all Allies and partner countries and can support them in both responding to and preparing for natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.

The exercise was launched at NATO Headquarters on 25 September by the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Ms. Burke Sun, and the Director General for Fire and Civil Protection at the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Alexandar Dzhartov.