While the EU institutions argued for weeks about the governance structures of the new crisis agency HERA, it has long since begun its work. In the fight against the spread of the highly contagious Omicron virus variant, the agency is taking on its first coordination tasks.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
Yesterday's EU summit was supposed to be about a coordinated approach by the member states to the pandemic. Yet, some countries are already implementing their own measures. The Commission fears a "fragmentation" of the rules.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The controversial project of an EU-wide clinical evaluation of medicinal products and medical devices (Health Technology Assessment, HTA) is coming to an end after years of wrangling. The agreement reached between Parliament and the Council in the summer has now been formally confirmed by the European Parliament. However, there will be no binding assessment of clinical benefit for all member states.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
The European Union has responded to the COVID pandemic with a comprehensive package of measures. Most recently, a new health authority with the divine name HERA was established to make provisions for future emergencies. However, at yesterday's Council meeting of health ministers, there was headwind against the EU Commission's so-called HERA crisis regulation. There is also harsh criticism from the European Parliament.
By Eugenie Ankowitsch
