European Health Union: a New EU Health Security Framework Launched

The structural elements of the European Health Union have officially come into effect. These include not only stricter EU rules for serious cross-border health threats, but also a stronger mandate for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as well as a new emergency framework for medical countermeasures. Combined with the expanded mandate of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the establishment of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), the EU now has the necessary tools to better prepare and respond in the event of a public health emergency.
With the entry into force of these new rules, the European Health Union’s preparedness and response capabilities are completed, establishing a robust legal framework for improving the EU’s capacity in the vital areas of prevention, preparedness, surveillance, risk assessment, early warning, and response.
Now, the regulation on serious cross-border health threats gives the EU: a comprehensive preparedness plan and a more integrated surveillance system; better ability to accurately assess risk and respond in a targeted manner; strong mechanisms for joint procurement of medical countermeasures; the ability to take common measures at EU level to address future cross-border health threats.
This strengthened ECDC is now able to issue recommendations to member states regarding preparedness for health threats; at the same time, it will host a new network of excellence for EU reference laboratories and will establish a dedicated EU health task force to enable rapid health interventions in case of serious outbreaks.
To be effective and operational in times of public health emergencies, the emergency framework regulation now allows for the establishment, within HERA, of a Health Crisis Board. This board will quickly coordinate at EU level the provision of medical countermeasures and access to them. The regulation also allows for the activation of EU FAB facilities, emergency research and innovation plans, and access to emergency funding.
The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, stated:
“Two years after we presented our vision for a strong European Health Union, this vision is becoming a reality today. COVID has shown how much we can achieve when we work together as a Union, and so now we have the tools we need to chart a new course for EU health preparedness and response. Quick and decisive action as a Union is our strongest tool for protecting our citizens from health threats, and for this purpose, we need strong and permanent mechanisms. I would like to thank our member states and the European Parliament for their cooperation and support throughout this process.”