On March 24, 2015, the OSAC Bulgaria Country Council held its first workshop for 2015 on Anti-Terrorism Measures at Business Park Sofia. The Council’s interest for the workshop topic came from the increased number of terrorist incidents globally, recent events in Europe over the past year, and by continued interest in the results of the investigation into the 2012 Sarafovo Airport bombing and its impact on the private sector and Bulgarian society.
More than 50 participants from over 35 companies, educational institutions and an NGO were briefed on how terrorist organizations plan their attacks, and what measures could be taken to minimize the risk of being targeted and more effectively prepared to response to such an incident. During the workshop an expert from the Bulgarian State Agency for National Security touched on how the cooperation with the private sector could be improved, and shared unclassified information about the Burgas bombing which killed a Bulgarian bus driver and Israeli tourists on July 18, 2012. Participants had the opportunity to learn from the Commander of the Bulgarian Specialized Unit for Combating Terrorism on current terrorism trends, as well as what to expect from the Government emergency response to terrorist attacks. Speakers also included security professionals from a number of private companies.
The next event is planned for May, with the theme of “Security Leadership for Non-Security Professionals”.
OSAC was established in 1985 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to promote security cooperation between American private sector interest worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. The OSAC Council is comprised of 30 private sector and 4 public sector member organizations that represent specific industries or agencies. Today, the OSAC partnership encompasses ten federal agencies and over 4,600 private organizations, from the business and academic communities to non-governmental and faith-based organizations.
The OSAC Bulgaria Country Council, launched in November 2012, is one of 148 OSAC chapters around the globe attached to U.S. Embassies and consulates. This was the twelfth event Bulgaria’s Country Council has organized, in addition to the regular services and consultations OSAC’s leadership provides the membership. For more information on OSAC, contact the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy or visit the OSAC website or Linkedin group: OSAC Bulgaria Country Council.
More Information
- OSAC Bulgaria Country Council (PDF 587 KB – Get Adobe Reader)
