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This peer review of disaster risk management and civil protection systems provides Bulgaria with a unique opportunity to reflect on its readiness to cope with natural hazards and human-induced disasters and to identify ways of strengthening its prevention and preparedness policy and practices. It also facilitates the exchange of good practices. The peer review programme is a tool made available to civil protection authorities of Member States, participating states, enlargement and neighborhood countries under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism legislation. It is managed by the Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department.

The peer review of Bulgaria's disaster risk management (DRM) and civil protection systems offers an opportunity for the country to strengthen its resilience against various risks. Bulgaria has built a solid DRM foundation with strong legislation, extensive cooperation with the EU and neighboring countries, and an integrated role for the Bulgarian Red Cross in emergency response. However, to advance toward a holistic DRM system, Bulgaria should adopt a comprehensive all-hazard approach that emphasizes prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Recommendations include developing a centralized disaster database, enhancing multi-level coordination, establishing clear protocols for cooperation among public and private sectors, and building local and regional platforms for risk reduction efforts. Additionally, Bulgaria could improve early warning systems and allocate dedicated resources for DRM initiatives, ensuring a sustainable framework for future resilience.