EU health ministers to discuss COVID-19 pandemic and EU Pharmaceutical Strategy
The health ministers of the European Union (EU) will hold an informal video conference on Wednesday 2 December to discuss the current COVID-19 situation and the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy. Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru will represent Finland at the conference.
At the start of the conference hosted by the German Presidency of the Council of the EU, the health ministers will be briefed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the state of play of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Germany’s leadership, the Council has prepared conclusions on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in the health sector. The conclusions cover the areas of strengthening the management of health crises in the EU, ensuring the availability of medicines, sharing and using health data, and strengthening the EU’s role in the field of global health. Finland supports the conclusions.
During the conference, the ministers will also hear a presentation on the new proposals submitted on 11 November by the European Commission under the European Health Union package. The package refers to a comprehensive legislative framework that aims to improve the EU’s preparedness and response planning for emergencies and health crises.
Based on the questions prepared by the Presidency, the health ministers will also discuss the newly adopted Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. The Strategy will help create common EU legislation which takes account of both pharmaceutical innovations and the needs of patients. One of the key aims of the Strategy is to ensure more accessible and affordable medicines across the EU.
Finland supports the common Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. The Strategy can make it easier to address problems shared by the Member States.
No decisions will be made at the informal conference.
Inquiries:
Outi Kuivasniemi, Director for International Affairs, tel. +358 295 163 117, [email protected]
Sari Vuorinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 163 049, [email protected]