Brussels, 07/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Within the framework of the last trialogue with the European Parliament, on Monday 6 May, the Irish Presidency of the EU Council secured an agreement on serious cross-border threats to health. The decision, which establishes the legal basis for the coordination of vaccine procurement across the EU, will help member states to be better prepared and to protect citizens against possible pandemics and environmental disasters. Ireland's Health Minister James Reilly welcomed the agreement, which was one of the Irish health priorities. “This is a vital development for the health of EU citizens. We know that pandemics do not respect borders. It is also well known that a chain is only as strong as the weakest link. This decision will see member states join forces in order to prepare for and act against future public health threats”, he said.
The decision will strengthen risk preparedness and response planning and will improve member states' access to vaccines. It will result in clearer risk and crisis communication to the public and healthcare professionals. The establishment of a legal basis for the coordination of vaccine procurement across the EU is a crucial aspect of the agreement, the Presidency says, adding that this will provide more equitable access to vaccines at fairer prices - a development that is particularly welcome for smaller member states. The agreement was reached after three months of intense negotiation with the European Parliament. It will now be taken before the committee of permanent representatives (Coreper) for final approval. During the last Health Council on 7 December 2012, ministers were still divided over the powers to be given to the European Commission in relation to surveillance and intervention, and over authorisation to be given to the Commission to adopt temporary public health measures. The Commission had, in December 2011, presented a draft decision in order to ensure a higher level of cooperation at European level further to health crises such as the E.coli crisis in 2011 and the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009. (IL/transl.jl)