Bulgaria Joins the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management
26 November 2025 News
On 25 November 2025, Deputy Minister Elena Shekerletova held a meeting with Johanna Sumuvuori, Director of the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management in Berlin. During the meeting, Deputy Minister Shekerletova presented the original of a letter, on behalf of Minister Georg Georgiev and Minister Daniel Mitov, confirming the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Centre.
Director Sumuvuori congratulated Bulgaria on the unanimous decision of the Centre’s General Assembly, adopted on 20 November 2025, approving Bulgaria’s accession. She also commended the efforts undertaken by Bulgaria to enhance its contribution to the civilian dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Deputy Minister Shekerletova outlined Bulgaria’s progress in implementing the Civilian CSDP Compact. The Bulgarian diplomat stressed that membership in the Centre would strengthen Bulgaria’s capacity for civilian crisis management through the exchange of specialised practices and the provision of tailored advice and expertise based on national needs.
Deputy Minister Shekerletova extended an invitation to Director Sumuvuori to visit Bulgaria in early 2026 for discussions on the concrete parameters of the future partnership.
The European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management, headquartered in Berlin, is a service provider supporting its 24 current members and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in the implementation of their commitments under the Civilian CSDP Compact. Bulgaria’s membership will formally commence on 1 January 2026.
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