The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the gaps in our global capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics, as well as insufficient equity both within and among countries. The Commission is working to address these gaps and strengthen global governance through a series of concrete actions, as foreseen in the EU’s Global Health Strategy.
An ambitious Pandemic Agreement
The entire international community stands to gain from a strong, balanced and implementable Pandemic Agreement – now and long into the future.
It should protect people everywhere by focussing on:
- prevention of pandemics
- preparedness and capacity building for future pandemics
- response to future pandemics, in particular by aiming at equitable access to medical solutions, such as vaccines, medicines and diagnostics, and addressing antimicrobial resistance
- a stronger international health framework with the WHO as the coordinating authority on global health matters
- the "One Health" approach, connecting the health of humans, animals and our planet
A Pandemic Agreement should also boost general trust in the international health system.
EU negotiating directives
The Council adopted on 20 May 2021 a decision to support the launch of negotiations for an international agreement on the fight against pandemics within the framework of WHO, shortly followed by authorisation to open negotiations. The Commission is an active and engaged partner, working with EU Member States, in the negotiations towards an agreement.
The final decision to adopt the instrument will lie with WHO member countries. Once agreed, the instrument will be legally binding and rooted in the WHO constitution.
Financing and the Pandemic Fund
Financing is a crucial element for prevention, preparedness and response. The EU and its Member States are the largest contributors to the Pandemic Fund, which helps to build up capacity to prevent and prepare for pandemics, in the countries that need it most. Coordination and mobilisation of regional and international funding streams will contribute to an effective implementation of the Agreement.
