European Medicines Agency’s increased role gets a boost from EU countries

The Council adopted yesterday position on the Commission proposal to give the European Medicines Agency (EMA) a stronger role in crisis preparedness and management.

“The European Medicines Agency has been an essential partner in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the crisis has shown that we cannot take for granted the availability of medicines and medical equipment to treat patients. A reinforced agency will allow us to react quickly, efficiently, and in a coordinated manner to any future emergency. I am pleased that the Council has endorsed our ambitious proposal so swiftly, and progress needs to follow equally quickly on our proposals to strengthen the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and closer cooperation on cross-border health threats,” said the Commissioner in charge of Health & Food, Safety Stella Kyriakides, welcoming the adoption of the Council position

The Commission maintained that strong EU Agencies are crucial for the EU’s collective response to health threats or crises and they need to be fully equipped to play the expected role and need from them.

Following the adoption of the Council’s position, the European Parliament is due to adopt its position at its July plenary. The Council, Parliament and European Commission will then negotiate the text of the Commission proposal to reach an agreement.