During the meeting of the CoR Interregional Group on Health and Well-being, EPP-CoR members highlighted the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation and the role of cities and regions for a strong European Health Union able to respond to cross-border health crisis.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of EPP-CoR Group and President of Westpomeranian Region who serves as the Rapporteur for the Opinion on 'Cross-border health threats' said: "My region, Westpomerania closely cooperates with German regions in the healthcare sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that not all cross-border mechanisms are working properly. Therefore, I am pleased with the comprehensive plan of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a European Health Union. Geblewicz who is also rapporteur on the 'New mandate of European Disease Control Agency (ECDC)' said that the pandemic has highlighted the vital importance of the ECDC in assessing and communicating relevant data in preparedness and response to the pandemic. He added "It is crucial, now more than ever, to strengthen and develop its role in combating major health crisis".
Birgitta Sacrédeus, Member of Dalarna Regional Council and rapporteur for the Opinion on the twin legislation 'Pharmaceutical strategy and New mandate of European Medicine Agency (EMA)' spoke about the importance of joint procurement. "Joint procurement has been key to secure a vaccine for all European citizens. We need to have more procurement at EU level in the field of healthcare." Sacrédeus referred to the EU Health Emergency Mechanism and welcomed the fact that several proposals made in her opinion gained support including the strengthening the ECDC. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic must be a wakeup call to establish a robust EU system for preparedness and prevention of future health crises. She called for more cooperation with WHO and for more investment in research. Sacrédeus recalled that in 20 out of 27 member states health care is a regional responsibility and thus regions had a lot to contribute for a strong health union.
Joke Schauvliege, Rapporteur on the opinion ‘Experiences and lessons learned by regions and cities during the coronavirus crisis’ said that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for coordinated and solidarity based European response instead of relying on national answers only. Schauvliege, who is Member of the Flemish Parliament, added: "Europe's recovery from the crisis had to be based on lesson learned from all levels of governance including those closer to the citizens."