The European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE) convened its 9th General Meeting in Berlin last Thursday, 20^th November 2025. 

Bringing together current and prospective CoE members and our preferred partner, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the meeting offers an annual opportunity to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead. 

After opening remarks from the Chair of the General Meeting, Eddy Fonyódi, and CoE Director, Johanna Sumuvuori, formal approval of the agenda and review of quorum were established. 

Members then received updates on the implementation of the 2024 Workplan, the ongoing CoE evaluation, and preparations for the 2025 Workplan. The 2026 Workplan was presented and approved alongside the 2024 financial statements and 2025 financial plan. 

Key Decisions 

Bulgaria becomes the CoE’s 25th member 

The General Meeting approved Bulgaria’s accession to the CoE, effective 1 January 2026. The CoE looks forward to supporting Bulgaria’s national capability development and welcoming it as the 25th member. 

Ireland appointed to the Advisory Board 

Ireland will join the CoE’s Advisory Board from 1 January 2026, providing strategic guidance to the Director. The CoE expressed appreciation for Ireland’s engagement, particularly ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency. 

Governance updates 

Members also approved amendments to the CoE Statutes and confirmed Sweden will continue its role as Chair of the next General Meeting.  

Looking Ahead 

The CoE thanks its members and the EEAS for their continued support and constructive participation. With clear priorities set for 2025 and 2026, and an expanding membership, the Centre continues to make progress within all its workstreams, contributing to more effective EU civilian crisis management.