Commission concludes talks to secure future coronavirus vaccine for Europeans
The European Commission concluded exploratory talks with a pharmaceutical company, Sanofi, to purchase a potential vaccine against COVID-19. The envisaged contract would provide for an option to purchase 300 million doses of the vaccine, on behalf of all EU Member States. Read more.
Coronavirus: Commission strengthens preparedness for future outbreaks
On 15 July, the Commission presented immediate short-term measures to strengthen EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks. In the current context where new outbreaks spread across the EU, the Communication insists on all necessary actions needed to enhance preparedness, including testing and contact tracing, improved public health surveillance and widened access to medical countermeasures. Read more.
European Commission authorises first treatment against COVID-19
On 29 July, the European Commission signed a contract with the pharmaceutical company Gilead to secure treatment doses of Veklury, the brand name for Remdesivir, which was the first medicine authorised at EU level for treatment of COVID-19. As from August, the medicine will be made available to Member States and the UK. Read more.
Commission strengthens support for treatment through convalescent plasma
The European Commission invited more than 200 blood-collection services around the EU to apply for funding for the purchase of plasmapheresis equipment which takes plasma from donors. The aim of this action, part of the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI), is to support the treatment of new COVID-19 patients by increasing EU capacity to collect convalescent plasma recovered from COVID-19 patients. Read more.
New EU framework to prepare and manage health threats discussed with Health Ministers
On 16 July Commissioner Kyriakides joined EU Health ministers at a videoconference to discuss topics such as the European Health Data Space and the supply of medicinal products in the EU. The Commissioner also stressed that the COVID-19 crisis showed the need for a stronger role for the ECDC and potentially for a new framework on cross-border threats: “We need a new framework at EU level to prepare and manage health threats. We need a stronger mandate to coordinate. This could involve new legislation or a revision of the current Decision on cross-border threats to health”. Read more.
Coronavirus: mobile tracing and warning apps one step closer
The European Commission adopted an Implementing Decision this month to support the establishment of a voluntary gateway service that facilitates the interoperability of contact tracing and warning apps. This decision will mean that citizens, in particular those traveling in the EU, will only need to install one app. Read more.
