NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is organizing a major emergency response exercise in Bulgaria. The exercise will take place in September 2025 and will focus on enhancing international cooperation and disaster preparedness.
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| NATO and Bulgaria are set to host a major civil emergency response exercise in September 2025. The exercise will bring together Allies and partners to test their disaster response procedures and capabilities. Image Credit: NATO |
Brussels, Belgium – September 26, 2024:
In a significant step towards enhancing regional disaster preparedness, NATO and Bulgaria have announced plans to host the 20th civil emergency response exercise in September 2025. This major training event, organized by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), will bring together Allies, partners, and international organizations to simulate a variety of complex emergencies.
The exercise will provide participants with a unique opportunity to test their capabilities in responding to a range of scenarios, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, hybrid threats, and complex emergencies. By confronting these challenges, participants will be able to refine their procedures for coordinating different activities, logistical support, and effective collaboration between civilian and military actors.
The primary goal of these exercises is to strengthen the ability of NATO member states and partner countries to work together effectively in disaster response situations. By simulating realistic scenarios and fostering cooperation, these events contribute to building resilience and preparing for potential challenges, including those related to climate change.
NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Ms. Burcu San, emphasized the importance of such exercises in ensuring the Alliance’s readiness to respond to crises. “These exercises are vital for strengthening our collective capacity to protect our citizens and safeguard our security,” she stated.
The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) plays a crucial role in facilitating these exercises and providing support to NATO members and partners in disaster response and preparedness. As NATO’s principal civil emergency response mechanism, the EADRCC is available to assist countries in both responding to and preparing for natural and human-made disasters.
The announcement of the 20th civil emergency response exercise comes at a time when the world is increasingly facing complex and interconnected security threats. By investing in disaster preparedness and fostering international cooperation, NATO and its partners are taking proactive steps to ensure that they are well-equipped to meet these challenges.