Enhancing collaboration for health security |
Enhanced cooperation was at the forefront of the Health Security Committee (HSC) plenary in Brussels on 14-16 January 2026, with discussions focussed on enhancing health security preparedness and protecting citizens. The meeting took place back-to-back with a meeting of the G7 Global Health Security Initiative, highlighting the benefits of global collaboration in the face of changing threats to the health landscape. From pandemics and cyberattacks to disinformation, climate-related disasters and geopolitical instability, there are many threats to our health that require a common approach when aiming to prevent or respond to cross-border health crises.
Civil-Military CooperationThe EU health security legislation on serious cross-border threats to health strengthens cooperation, including for new areas such as civilian and military collaboration for health security preparedness and readiness. Specifically, a Technical Working Group on Civil-Military Cooperation on Health Security Preparedness (TWG CIVMIL) has been set up within the HSC and is developing priorities for its work across three main areas: · health infrastructure · health workforce shortages · mass evacuations Zoonotic avian influenzaDuring the meeting, HSC representatives examined how the Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises supports the implementation of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, and how vigilance is particularly relevant against the backdrop of an intense zoonotic avian influenza season. Within this context, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) have prepared a new guidance document on public health actions to implement according to the epidemiological situation. HSC participants also discussed the latest developments under the EU Stockpiling Strategy and the Medical Countermeasures Strategy. « Looking towards the evolving landscape at global level, the European Union remains committed to building a stronger and more equitable global health security framework » as highlighted by Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission. Background informationEU’s rapid response to serious cross-border threats to health is coordinated by the EU Health Security Committee (HSC). It is a key forum for the exchange of information on specific measures adopted by each country and, together with the European Commission, defines the actions to follow on preparedness, planning, risk and crisis communication and response. |
Enhancing collaboration for health security
