The proposal on Serious Cross Border Threats to Health is a priority for the Irish Presidency and I am happy to advise that after 3 months of intense negotiations with the European Parliament agreement was reached last week on this important piece of public health legislation.
The Decision will help Member States prepare for and protect citizens against future cross border threats including pandemics and environmental disasters. It strengthens risk preparedness and response planning, improves access to vaccines for Member States, strengthens the mandate of the Health Security Committee, and will result in clearer risk and crisis communication to the public and healthcare professionals.
A crucial aspect of the agreement is the establishment of a legal basis for the coordination of vaccine procurement across the EU. This will provide more equitable access to vaccines at fairer prices - a development particularly welcome for smaller Member States.
In relation to the issue of contaminated foodstuffs – primary responsibility for food safety at a European level rests with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, in relation to cross border public health elements of the situation which fall outside the mandate of EFSA, provision has been made in the Decision for the Health Security Committee to be consulted with a view to coordinating national responses and crisis communication to the public and health professionals.
