The European Commission has published its proposals for a European Health Union, which aims to strengthen the EU's health security framework, reinforce health crisis preparedness of Member States and enhance the role of key EU agencies. Primarily focused on the prevention, management and responses to health emergencies (in particular infectious diseases and other cross-border health threats), the proposals outline the need for greater coordination at an EU level, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drawing heavily on lessons learned from the pandemic and the lack of coordination of the response of Member States, the text proposes alterations to existing legal frameworks for cross-border threats to health, aiming to strengthen mechanisms for supply chains for equipment and medications, improving public health monitoring and data, as well as the ability to develop and distribute treatments and vaccines. These measures are designed to strengthen and build capacity, both at a national and EU level.
Measures contained within the proposals include:
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The development of an EU health crisis and pandemic preparedness plan, with recommendations developed for the adoption of plans at national levels
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Strengthened and integrated surveillance at an EU level, using artificial intelligence and other technological means
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Improved data reporting from Member States, improvingreporting of health system indicators (e.g. hospital beds availability, specialised treatments and intensive care capacity etc.)
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Expanded remits for both the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
You can read additional details on the European Health Union at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2041
