EU HMs to discuss pharmaceutical strategy, coronavirus today

The health ministers of the European Union (EU) will hold an informal video conference on Wednesday to discuss the present coronavirus situation and the European Union’s Pharmaceutical Strategy, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

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.