Initial Visit of the Core Planning Team

The Initial Coordination and Planning Meeting for the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) Emergency Management Exercise “BULGARIA 25” was conducted from 04 to 08 November 2024 at the Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection Professional Training Centre (CD FSCP TC) in Montana, Bulgaria. The event served as a foundational step in the preparation and organization of the upcoming exercise, involving discussions, site surveys, and collaborative planning among key stakeholders.

Objectives of the Event

• Initial coordination among the Core Planning Team (CPT) for “BULGARIA 25.”
• Conducting a site survey of potential exercise locations.
• Initiating the planning of activities related to the preparation and execution of the exercise.

Summary of Activities

• 04 November 2024: Introductory Briefings and Planning

  • Overview of the CD FSCP TC organization, functions, and capabilities.
  • Introduction to the EADRCC structure and scope.
  • Detailed briefings on potential exercise sites, including the Base of Operation (BoO) and the Exercise Command Centre.
  • Planning discussions focused on:
    • Scenario development.
    • Potential Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) and Field Hospitals.
    • Contribution of the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE), including:
      • Participant registration via the CMDR COE platform.
      • Exercise website functionalities.
      • Financial aspects and logistical considerations.

• 05 November 2024: Site Survey

  • On-site assessments of potential locations for exercise activities and the BoO.

• 06 November 2024: Planning Meeting

  • Exploration of exercise site types, including:
    • Urban Search and Rescue.
    • Rope Rescue.
    • Water Search and Rescue.
    • Civil-Military Cooperation.
    • Simulated media.
  • Confirmation of the CMDR COE’s responsibility for developing and maintaining the Exercise Web Page (EWP) to centralize and share planning documents.

• 07 November 2024: Stakeholder Coordination

  • Meeting with representatives from the Bulgarian Red Cross, Bulgarian Border Police Department, and BGR Ministry of Defense (MOD) to discuss:
    • Military support, including field kitchens and accommodations.
    • Border crossing regulations and requirements for exercise participants.
  • Engagement with Grand Hotel Astoria representatives to discuss the possibility of hosting the Main Planning Conference.

• 08 November 2024: Concluding Observations

  • Final observations and discussions were held to consolidate plans.
  • The Core Planning Team relocated from Montana to Sofia for further preparations.

Key Outcomes

• Consensus on potential exercise sites and planning approaches.
• Establishment of responsibilities for the CMDR COE, including maintaining the Exercise Web Page (EWP).
• Identification of logistical and operational requirements, such as military support and border crossing protocols.
• Agreement on hosting the Main Planning Conference at Grand Hotel Astoria.

This initial coordination meeting laid the groundwork for the successful preparation and execution of the EADRCC Emergency Management Exercise “BULGARIA 25.”