The European Union cannot afford to be complacent about future health crises, according to Hadja Lahbib, the EU’s Crisis Preparedness Commissioner, marking the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic’s declaration. In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Lahbib stressed the importance of continuous vigilance and stronger preparedness strategies for the EU to handle emerging health emergencies.
EU’s Pandemic Response: Progress and Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world off guard, leaving many countries scrambling to secure medical supplies. However, the EU has made significant progress in improving its crisis response, largely due to collective efforts, the resilience of health professionals, and enhanced collaboration across member states.
Lahbib pointed out that the EU’s creation of the European Health Union, along with the establishment of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), has bolstered Europe’s ability to swiftly detect and respond to health threats. HERA also ensures timely access to critical medicines and medical equipment during crises.
Despite improvements, Lahbib emphasized that the EU must not rest on its laurels. As global health risks evolve, the EU is introducing new preparedness strategies, including the Preparedness Union Strategy and Medical Countermeasures Strategy, set to be launched by mid-2025.
Gaps in EU Health Crisis Preparedness
Although the EU is better prepared than in the past, Lahbib noted several ongoing gaps that still need addressing. There is a significant lack of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for certain high-risk pathogens. Avian flu, vector-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus, and antimicrobial resistance are key concerns that require swift action.
Supply chain issues and fragmented efforts also hinder the availability of essential medical supplies. Lahbib underscored the importance of stronger cooperation between civilian and military sectors to tackle health crises effectively, particularly in the face of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Joint Procurement Agreement: A Key Success
The EU’s Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA), established during the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a critical role in ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments. The JPA has since been expanded to cover vaccines for outbreaks like Mpox, as well as other critical medical supplies such as diphtheria antitoxin. Lahbib highlighted how the JPA has fostered global solidarity by enabling the EU to provide essential supplies to its international partners during health emergencies.
Strengthening Stockpiling and Medical Countermeasures
The EU’s stockpiling strategy and the Medical Countermeasures Strategy, expected to be finalized in the coming months, are designed to improve Europe’s ability to respond to health emergencies. These strategies will ensure that critical supplies like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are readily available during a crisis.
In response to the PPE shortages experienced during the early days of COVID-19, HERA has invested in stockpiling critical medical countermeasures and launched a Dynamic Purchasing System to expedite procurement during emergencies. Lahbib stressed that innovative, sustainable PPE solutions are also being developed to further strengthen Europe’s resilience.
Addressing Member State Discretion on Stockpiling
One challenge in improving stockpiling coordination is the reluctance of some member states to disclose the contents of their national reserves, citing national security concerns. However, Lahbib explained that HERA has established secure frameworks for information sharing and is working to facilitate collaboration among EU member states on stockpiling efforts.
EU’s Future Preparedness Plans
Looking ahead, Lahbib acknowledged that the frequency of global crises, including climate change-related events, humanitarian emergencies, and infectious disease outbreaks, is on the rise. The EU must not only prepare for health crises but also be ready for hybrid threats and other emergencies.
The EU’s strategies for crisis preparedness, including the Preparedness Union Strategy and the Medical Countermeasures Strategy, will be critical in ensuring that Europe is better equipped to handle future challenges. Lahbib also emphasized the importance of engaging citizens, especially younger generations, in building a culture of preparedness.
Conclusion: A Unified Effort for Future Crises
As the EU continues to refine its crisis response strategies, Lahbib’s message is clear: Europe must remain vigilant and proactive in preparing for future health emergencies. With the lessons learned from COVID-19, the EU is strengthening its readiness to safeguard its citizens and maintain its global leadership in crisis management.
For Europe to be truly prepared, Lahbib stressed the need for continued collaboration, investment in innovative solutions, and the shared responsibility of member states and citizens alike. The next few years will be critical as the EU works towards securing resources and implementing new strategies to ensure the safety and health of its population.