This article analyzes Europe’s lack of medical countermeasures (MCMs) to respond to potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorist attacks. Despite EU initiatives such as the 2007 CBRN Green Paper and subsequent action plan, member states have not clearly defined their requirements or allocated sufficient resources to support MCM development and stockpiling. Unlike the United States, which provides industry with predictable funding and strategic procurement, Europe offers little market certainty, discouraging private sector engagement. The article argues that without structured public–private dialogue and government-backed incentives, Europe remains unprepared for low-probability but high-impact CBRN threats. It calls for coordinated EU action to align risk assessments with industrial capabilities and to establish sustainable mechanisms for financing, production, and availability of vital MCMs.
Johnson, M. L. (2011, November). Mark Johnson on CBR MCMs. Security Europe TM (SecEUR Sprl).
