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Questions and answers on the Medical Countermeasures Strategy
Why is the Medical Countermeasures Strategy needed?
The Medical Countermeasures Strategy is crucial for addressing the growing health threats facing the European Union.
These include pandemics, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and chemical and biological threats. Climate change, armed conflicts, hybrid threats, and supply chain dependencies amplify these risks to public health, economic stability, and security.
With this Strategy, the EU aims to reinforce its preparedness for the next health emergency by improving access to, and availability of medical countermeasures at all times.
What type of health crises is the EU preparing for?
The EU is preparing for a wide range of health threats, including life threatening diseases and security risks which pose a direct threat on our health and safety:
- Respiratory and contact based viruses with pandemic potential: respiratory viruses (e.g. COVID-19), zoonoses (e.g. avian flu), emerging and re-emerging diseases, viral haemorrhagic fevers (e.g. Ebola), and Disease X referring to yet unknown pathogen.
- Vector-borne or animal-reservoir viruses with epidemic potential: vector-borne diseases spread mainly by certain mosquitoes and ticks, like dengue and West Nile virus.
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Armed-related threats and CBRN threats: natural or man-made chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, and armed conflicts related threats, including mass casualty events.
The health threat picture requires stepping up joint action at EU and global level to uphold citizens' health and security.
How will the actions in the strategy be financed?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of consistent funding for developing medical countermeasures. The EU, Member States, and private sector are encouraged to invest in these initiatives. The Commission allocates over €5 billion for 2021-2027 to various programmes like EU4Health, Horizon Europe, and rescEU. Future funding will be discussed during new Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations.
Why and how civil-military cooperation will be enhanced in the area of medical countermeasures?
Civil-military cooperation in medical countermeasures provides high added value, as the same measures are often needed for both civilian and military use. Coordinated actions in research, production, and deployment can enhance cross-border threat preparedness and response. The Medifence initiative aims to bolster the availability of dual-use medical countermeasures. As part of it, the Commission will develop a shortlist of essential medical countermeasures for armed aggression and facilitate the procurement and stockpiling of possible medical countermeasure kits. The Commission plans to consult with Member States to improve civil-military interoperability and response capacity in countermeasures.
What is the link with the EU Strategy for Life Sciences?
The EU Strategy for Life Sciences aims to advance research and innovation in medicinal products and health technologies. This progress supports developing effective medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and therapeutics. Both strategies reinforce each other, translating scientific breakthroughs into practical health interventions to boost the EU's preparedness for health emergencies.
What is the Medical Countermeasures Accelerator?
The Medical Countermeasures Accelerator is a streamlined funding tool that supports innovators throughout the development of strategic medical solutions.
It acts as a one-stop-shop utilising various EU financial instruments, such as grants, loans, and equity, to boost innovation.
This approach aims to de-risk development and hasten the availability of market-ready medical solutions. Instruments like HERA Invest, a collaboration between the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, provide loans to SMEs and startups focused on medical countermeasures to stimulate innovation.
For more information:
Communication on Medical Countermeasures Strategy
Question and answers on Medical Countermeasures Strategy