EU health security - How prepared is Europe for emerging cross-border health threats?

Euractiv Talks

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU and national governments have recognised the need for greater policy infrastructure to support better preparation for future cross-border health security threats. Pandemics and epidemics remain significant threats to global public health and are inevitable. In 2022, the European Commission introduced a Regulation to develop a comprehensive prevention, preparedness and response plan at EU and member state levels.

And in a major step forward, WHO Member States recently forged a draft agreement, to be discussed at the World Health Assembly in May, which aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats. EU Health Ministers argue they should have access to the 800 billion euros set aside for the EU’s over-arching Union Preparedness Strategy saying, “without essential medicines, Europe’s defence capabilities are compromised.”

One growing health concern is the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when germs no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. The emergence and spread of these drug-resistant infections are also accelerated by human activity, such as conflicts that lead to mass displacement of civilian populations.

While the EU is taking steps to address potential health emergencies, including the acute threat of future virus pandemics as well as combatting the rise of the ‘slow pandemic’ of AMR, health and policy experts argue that further cooperation, transparency and improved procedures are needed among member states.

Against the backdrop of emerging public health issues, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the evolving EU policy landscape for health security to ensure Europe is prepared for new and emerging cross-border health threats. Questions to be addressed include:

• How can the EU initiatives on cross-border health threats be effectively implemented to ensure effective impact at both EU and national levels?
• What further measures can the EU and its member states take to ensure greater preparedness and response for future health security threats following the unprecedented damage done by COVID-19?
• Given the rise of AMR, what policies should be prioritised at the EU level to coordinate research, surveillance, and stewardship efforts?
• How can we ensure public-private working practices are successfully set up to face AMR?
• In the current geo-political climate how important is it to have on-shore manufacturing for medical counter measures in Europe?