MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command: Decision-making body meets in Sweden

On 20 and 21 September, the representatives of the 18 member nations met in Gothenburg to define the future area of tasks and supporting activities of the young, multinational entity. It was the first meeting of all representatives after the Multinational Medical Coordination Centre/European Medical Command (MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command) was declared full operational on 30 May of this year.

"It is a very fascinating task to build up such an entity with at the moment 18 nations, most of them NATO and EU member states. We have a strong connection to both NATO and the EU", explained MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command Director, Brigadier General Dr. Stefan Kowitz, during the kick-off speech.

State of play and confirmation of projects

During the two-day meeting, the tasks to be completed in the future, the so-called Programme of Work (POW), were discussed and confirmed. All department heads of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command presented the current status of their projects. Individual proposals for inclusion in the task portfolio received strong approval.

"The Steering Committee Meeting offers us the opportunity to adapt our profile to the current circumstances and needs of our member nations. As a joint product of NATO and the EU, we are thus often able to serve both institutions additionally“, explains Lieutenant Commander Rico Maderthoner, Public Affairs Officer of the Koblenz-based organisation, the advantages of the meeting of the International Representative.

Support for Ukraine

In addition, the countries bordering Ukraine gave an overview of the current situation and national support efforts. Surgeon General Dr. Stefan Kowitz informed the participants about the identified challenges, but also spoke about the efforts and initial results that the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command has already been able to achieve in this context.

Expert network expanded

Another subject addressed was the expert network of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command. The cooperation with the United States European Command and the international reserve association for medical officers, Confédération Interalliée des Officiers Médicaux de Réserve, which were added this year to the already existing international working relationships, were highlighted in particular.

Function of the Steering Committee

Since 2018, the representatives of the 18 member nations of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command have met twice a year to learn about the current state of affairs and innovations. The Steering Committee is the highest decision-making level of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command and is used by the participating nations as the main body for steering, monitoring and decision-making on all matters. The interests of all participating nations in all matters concerning the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command are taken into account. The body approves the POW and monitors its implementation; Steering Committee decisions are made by consensus.
In addition, NATO and EU medical advisors are invited to attend meetings to advise on NATO and EU staff requirements and priorities.

by Rico Maderthoner