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The European Union has enhanced its preparedness for cross-border health crises by launching a new plan for prevention, preparedness, and response to these emergencies today, Friday.
This plan addresses all potential health risks and crises, whether natural, incidental, or deliberate, stemming from various threats. It also establishes a framework for health crisis governance within the EU, covering available capacities and resources as well as support and monitoring mechanisms throughout all phases of crisis management.
The plan will provide policymakers and crisis managers with practical tools, such as the exchange of information, experiences, and technical assistance, enabling coordinated actions during health emergencies to protect the health and safety of European citizens.
Drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan emphasizes the importance of developing national plans to address health crises and assists member states in aligning them with EU frameworks.
The EU’s plan is a dynamic document that will be updated based on lessons learned from real crises and the emergence of new challenges. It will also be regularly tested through simulation exercises, with the first scheduled for 2026 involving member states, EU agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the plan’s effectiveness and adaptability to new threats.
On this occasion, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of anticipating threats and being ready to respond quickly and effectively during crises. She noted that by better linking national efforts with those at the EU level, “the plan we are presenting today offers us a robust set of tools for preparing for, preventing, and responding to health crises more effectively.”
She added, “This will help manage impacts, protect people, and support recovery.”
The plan supports the implementation of the EU preparedness strategy by adopting a comprehensive approach involving government and society, and it promotes collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization, in line with the EU’s global health priorities.
