The Commission is inviting input on the Union’s future prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises, through a Call for Evidence published. The call is open to citizens, public institutions, patient organisations, NGOs, healthcare providers and professionals, research and technology organisations, academia, and other interested parties that wish to give their views.
The Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises (‘Union plan’) is being developed at a moment where multiple threats endanger the lives, health and wellbeing of EU citizens and when crisis preparedness and resilience are high on the EU’s political agenda. The Union plan is amongst the key actions listed in the Action Plan accompanying the EU Preparedness Union Strategy.
The current geopolitical situation, emerging infectious diseases and the accelerating climate crisis pose serious threats to health. Coordinated action across Member States is therefore necessary to ensure that the EU can effectively prevent, prepare for and respond to a variety of health threats.
The Union plan will strengthen the EU’s capacity for emergency preparedness and response to health crises. It guides timely response at EU level and will support building EU and national resilience through regular stress testing. Together with Member States’ national plans and other sectoral plans, the Union plan forms a solid health security planning framework for the EU/EEA.
The Union plan is closely linked to other Commission initiatives, including the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy, the European Internal Security Strategy, the Strategy to support medical countermeasures against public health threats and the EU Stockpiling Strategy. It also reflects the Report by Special Advisor Niinistö.
The Call for Evidence is a chance for contributors to express their views and share insights on the problems to be solved, the key action areas proposed and the likely impact. It complements other general and targeted consultations.
The Call for Evidence will run for four weeks, i.e. until 29 October 2025 (midnight Brussels time).
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Source: European Commission | Public Health | In the Spotlight (https://tinyurl.com/mtxhre9)