European Population Preparing for Potential Conflict with Russia
In January 2026, General Norwegian Petter Iversen, president of the NATO Committee of Chiefs of Military Medical Services (COMEDS), emphasized the importance of European nations being resilient, medically capable, and prepared to support a potential armed conflict with Russia as a means of deterrence. He highlighted the significance of health as a strategic attribute of power and credibility in its entirety.
Preparation for a nation in an armed conflict scenario must include a truly resilient health system, as stated by General Eric Czerniak, head of the Operations Division of the Army Health Service. He emphasized the importance of anticipating and ensuring the best level of care for the general population and military personnel.
Major Engagement Hypothesis: New Preparation Axis for Europeans
The return of uninhibited conflict and high-intensity warfare in Eastern Europe necessitates France and its NATO partners to prepare for Major Engagement Hypothesis (HEM). This preparation involves projecting forces abroad within a multinational coalition and managing the consequences on national territory.
An engagement in Eastern Europe would strain vital functions in France, particularly healthcare systems. General Czerniak outlined the need for a holistic inter-ministerial approach to address the challenges effectively.
Cooperation Between Ministries of Defense and Health Accelerates
Since 2017, the Ministries of Defense, Health, and Budget have established a multi-year working relationship to meet healthcare needs and prepare for exceptional situations robustly. Further cooperation was solidified in 2022, drawing lessons from the Covid-19 crisis and enhancing complementarity during major events.
An interministerial and national response is crucial to bolster national resilience against an HEM. This coordination involves testing decision-making processes through practical exercises, such as the ORION 26 initiative focused on protecting the territory and supporting military and allied forces.
NATO and EU: Frameworks for Civil-Military Health Cooperation
Around the Euro-Atlantic region, nations are focusing on medical support during HEMs, including strengthening cooperation within NATO’s military and civilian structures. Initiatives like the Medical Action Plan aim to prepare allied health systems for major events, with the EU also committing to civil-military health cooperation post-adoption.
France Leads NATO Initiative to Enhance Medical Logistics
France is spearheading an initiative within NATO to optimize medical logistics across allied nations, known as the Critical Medical Initiative – Medical Logistics (CMI MEDLOG). This international effort aims to coordinate health ministries to secure supply chains and promote civil-military interoperability.
Inter-ministerial collaboration at national and international levels is essential for enhancing national resilience in the face of an HEM, requiring unprecedented preparation efforts in the healthcare sector.
