Commissioner Lahbib announced two new strategies to enhance Europe’s preparedness against public health threats. The strategies focus on stockpiling and medical countermeasures. Lahbib emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “What is our strongest natural defence? It is our immune system.”
The Commissioner highlighted the challenges Europe faces, including hybrid attacks, power blackouts, extreme weather, and diseases. “We know the threats we face. And we know we can handle them,” she stated.
Lahbib’s travels across Europe revealed that prepared communities are calmer and more confident during emergencies. She cited Sweden as an example where preparedness is ingrained in daily life.
The Stockpiling Strategy marks a first for the EU, aiming to ensure essential supplies are always available through smarter planning and cooperation. This includes strategic warehouses and civil-military cooperation.
Medical countermeasures are also prioritized with a comprehensive strategy focusing on identifying threats and supporting innovation. A new EU Wastewater Sentinel System will act as an early warning radar for infectious diseases.
The Medical Countermeasures Accelerator aims to speed up innovation from development to delivery. Additionally, HERA Invest will expand support for SMEs and start-ups with 200 million euros by 2027.
Lahbib concluded by emphasizing the role of people in this effort: “Our researchers, manufacturers, doctors, nurses, and caregivers – they are at the heart of our preparedness.”
Contact information was provided for spokesperson Eva Hrncírová and press officers Daniel Puglisi and Anna Gray.
