Minister convened online to coordinate before health ministers meet in the EU Council to exchange views on the state of play of the current and future EU response to the pandemic.
Meeting Chair and Swedish Minister for Health and Social Affairs, Lena Hallengren, said:
“I thank all healthcare and frontline workers for their continued efforts during the pandemic. They are saving lives and making sure our communities are safe.
“Sadly, COVID-19 is not over and in Europe we are seeing transmissions increase as we approach winter. The situation differs in every Member State, but the overall picture is concerning. It is vital that we put in place the right public health tools quickly to address emerging threats and to reduce pressure on our healthcare systems.
“Vaccination and limiting our contact with others remain the best weapons against this virus. I know circumstances continue to be difficult for many people, but our societies must show resolve now to halt rising transmissions. In some countries, vaccine uptake is still too low but all countries can work to further increase vaccination rates. I encourage all citizens to get vaccinated and to access booster shots as they become available. This is the best way to protect everyone.”
The meeting welcomed moves to better coordinate the EU reaction to the pandemic. Ministers commended the civic mindedness and understanding citizens have shown, and praised healthcare and frontline workers for their continued efforts.
The meeting also exchanged on legislative proposals relating to the European Health Union, which the Council will discuss tomorrow. They emphasised that the revised mandates for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must further protect citizens’ health and ensure quality healthcare for all.
The meeting was attended by:
- Lena Hallengren, Chair, Minister for Health and Social Affairs, Sweden
- Magnus Heunicke, Minister for Health and Elderly Affairs, Denmark
- Chris Fearne, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Malta
- Helene Fritzon MEP, Vice-President of the S&D Group for a new Europe of gender equality, health, and strong rights, S&D Group
