Initial situation/scientific issue

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on society and the economy worldwide. Some of the resulting deaths could have been avoided if the EU and its Member States had been better prepared and could have responded more effectively. Numerous problems were encountered, including the weaknesses of health systems at national and local level (despite the obligations of the 2005 International Health Regulations), the lack of evidence-based policy making and effective communication with citizens while combating misinformation, as well as insufficient domestic production capacity for countermeasures, delays and transparency problems in the procurement of medical countermeasures and uncoordinated national border closure measures. In addition to the economic impact, uncontrolled outbreaks and health threats cause a high workload for healthcare staff and the public health system, which contributes to the indirect costs of the event.
Due to the war in Ukraine, questions of security/military policy and national defence are also being discussed politically. Stockpiling medicinal products therefore also has a stronger security and defence policy dimension. The war in Ukraine has also triggered a discussion about the need to further develop a more integrated crisis management system in the European Union.

Project description/methodology

In 2024, the EU Commission developed a strategy for stockpiling medical countermeasures, including critical medicines. EU Member States need to align the national strategies developed under these direct grants with the EU strategy, focusing e.g. on threat prioritisation and risk-based scenarios, sustainability, and deployment and distribution policies. This Joint Action (JA) will contribute to achieving this goal and lay the foundations for a long-term stockpiling system.
There are different national stockpiling strategies in the Member States and some of them are currently being developed. There is a need to strengthen co-operation and exchange of experience to ensure sustainable stockpiling strategies at both national and EU level. This will improve preparedness and response to serious cross-border health threats.

Outcomes