€12.2 million to be invested under EU4Health to strengthen health security in Europe

The Commission has launched today two projects in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) through its Regional Office for Europe, to strengthen health security and preparedness against serious cross-border health threats. These include chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.

The first project focuses on reinforcing health security capabilities and enhancing prevention, preparedness, detection, and response strategies in the EU, the EEA, EU candidate and Eastern Partnership countries. It includes a broad range of potential hazards ranging from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, to biohazards and man-made conflicts. A significant emphasis is placed on improving emergency coordination and cooperation at both national and international levels. The EU4Health programme supports this project with €6.4 million over the next five years.

The second project accelerates efforts to specifically address chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards in the EU, Ukraine, Moldova and other countries participating in the EU4Health programme. It will reinforce the prevention, preparedness, and response capacities for CBRN public health threats through readiness and response planning, and by reinforcing preparedness across borders. The EU4Health Programme funds this project with €5.8 million over the next three years.

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “One of the key goals of the European Health Union is to better prepare against health threats in a coordinated way at EU level and with our partner countries. The launch of today’s initiatives together with the WHO are a significant step towards building a stronger and more resilient health security system across the EU, Ukraine, and other European countries. They are proof of the positive impact that EU support can provide for its citizens and beyond.”

Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “The two projects launched today not only aim to enhance our preparedness and response capabilities but also foster a culture of collaboration among countries and regions, essential in facing global health challenges. As the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed, a health threat in one country can often be a threat to all. WHO/Europe’s Preparedness 2.0 umbrella includes the aims of these initiatives, all the more crucial in this age of permanent crisis with mounting and often overlapping health emergencies arriving faster than ever before."

(For more information Stefan de Keersmaecker - Tel.: +32 229 62253– Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 229 87348)