The health sector plays a central role in the availability of tools and resources to tackle emerging threats that may affect the EU. Preparedness is essential to respond to possible emergencies, and requires the implementation of a wide range of coordinated actions in different interconnected fields. The European Commission launched the EU Preparedness Union Strategy on 26 March 2025, which includes 30 key actions and a detailed Action Plan. Among the many planned objectives are the availability of minimum preparedness criteria for essential services such as hospitals, and stockpiling of critical equipment and materials. An EU Crisis Hub should also be created to improve integration of existing EU crisis structures. Better public-private cooperation should support the creation of a Preparedness Taskforce and the formulation of emergency protocols to ensure the rapid availability of essential materials, goods, and services, and secure critical production lines.
The Commission also launched a call for evidence aimed to support the development of the new Medical Countermeasures Strategy (MCS), which is part of the Preparedness Strategy and specifically addresses threats to public health. This strategy will focus on the actions needed to ensure the availability of essential products to face health emergencies, such as vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and personal protective equipment. The MCS should also contribute supporting strategic autonomy and innovation in health-related sectors.