France Leads Opposition Against EU Proposal to Merge Health Crisis and Civil Protection Units
France, supported by 10 other EU countries, opposes plans to merge HERA with the civil protection unit, citing concerns over health crisis resilience.
France is at the forefront of a campaign against an EU proposal to merge the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) with the European Commission’s civil protection and humanitarian aid unit, DG ECHO.
This move, supported by 10 other countries, has raised alarms over the potential erosion of Europe’s health crisis response capabilities.
HERA was established in 2021 to strengthen Europe’s ability to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.
It has played a significant role in procuring vaccines, improving disease surveillance, and addressing medical supply shortages.
However, a recent review of the authority’s operations suggests a proposal to merge HERA with DG ECHO, a move that could undermine HERA’s independent governance.
France, joined by Germany, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Greece, and Estonia, has expressed concerns about the potential dilution of HERA’s decision-making independence and its capacity to respond to health crises autonomously.
The countries argue that HERA must remain a distinct Directorate-General within the European Commission, maintaining its focus on health emergencies.
A document outlining these concerns will be sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The signatory countries emphasize that HERA’s independent status is vital, especially in the current geopolitical climate, where the EU must strengthen its ability to handle crises independently.
The opposition to the merger gained momentum during a HERA board meeting, where Germany and France raised concerns about the potential restructuring.
The debate has also been linked to political negotiations over the appointment of Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi as health commissioner, with some suggesting that the merger was part of a broader political trade-off.
HERA’s role is increasingly seen as crucial for Europe’s emergency preparedness, akin to the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which plays a key role in health security.
The signatory countries stress the importance of maintaining an autonomous and robust structure to address health emergencies in the future.
This move, supported by 10 other countries, has raised alarms over the potential erosion of Europe’s health crisis response capabilities.
HERA was established in 2021 to strengthen Europe’s ability to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.
It has played a significant role in procuring vaccines, improving disease surveillance, and addressing medical supply shortages.
However, a recent review of the authority’s operations suggests a proposal to merge HERA with DG ECHO, a move that could undermine HERA’s independent governance.
France, joined by Germany, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Greece, and Estonia, has expressed concerns about the potential dilution of HERA’s decision-making independence and its capacity to respond to health crises autonomously.
The countries argue that HERA must remain a distinct Directorate-General within the European Commission, maintaining its focus on health emergencies.
A document outlining these concerns will be sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The signatory countries emphasize that HERA’s independent status is vital, especially in the current geopolitical climate, where the EU must strengthen its ability to handle crises independently.
The opposition to the merger gained momentum during a HERA board meeting, where Germany and France raised concerns about the potential restructuring.
The debate has also been linked to political negotiations over the appointment of Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi as health commissioner, with some suggesting that the merger was part of a broader political trade-off.
HERA’s role is increasingly seen as crucial for Europe’s emergency preparedness, akin to the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which plays a key role in health security.
The signatory countries stress the importance of maintaining an autonomous and robust structure to address health emergencies in the future.
