Finland to join the Joint Procurement Agreement

Finland will join the Joint Procurement Agreement to procure medical countermeasures (JPA). The membership of the Joint Procurement Agreement will improve the security of supply of medicines and personal protective equipment in Finland.

On 27 March, Finland’s permanent representative to the EU, Ambassador Marja Rislakki, signed the Agreement in Brussels. 

Until now, Finland has had observer status and been monitoring the operation of the JPA. Accession to the Agreement opens up new opportunities for acquiring the equipment and medicines needed in the coronavirus outbreak.

The purpose of the Agreement is to strengthen the purchasing power of the Parties and to ensure the equal availability, operational security and price balance of medical countermeasures for serious cross-border health threats, such as supplies, equipment and medicines. 

The Agreement has been signed by 26 Member States of the European Union and the United Kingdom and Norway. 

Joint procurement for EU Member States progressing in the coronavirus outbreak

Several joint procurement initiatives for supplies, equipment and medicines needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic have been launched and planned in the EU. Some of the procurement will be carried out through the Joint Procurement Agreement to procure medical countermeasures and some through other mechanisms. 

The Joint Procurement Agreement provides the Parties of the agreement with a voluntary opportunity to participate in joint procurement of medical countermeasures. 

Inquiries:

Kalle Tervo, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 163 045, [email protected]