"We are one step closer to the European Health Union. The agreement on how to prevent, prepare for and respond to serious cross-border health threats is a key pillar of EU health emergency architecture. I wish nonetheless that the role of regions in drafting and implementing preparedness and response plans were better acknowledged". Olgierd Geblewicz, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) rapporteur for the opinion on 'Cross-border health threats and the new mandate of European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) was reacting following agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on serious cross-border threats to health.
Geblewicz, who Chairs the EPP-CoR Group and serves as President of West Pomerania Region, recalled that he comes from a region of some 2 million inhabitants with its borders touching with two regions in Germany. He spoke of restrictions imposed by national authorities to contain the spread of the coronavirus which created challenges for healthcare systems on both sides of the border. In addition, different decisions were taken by different member states without coordination with neighbouring states and without a regional approach. "This shows that while we need a strategic European approach, Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) must be part of the planning and response activities especially when it comes to cross-border health threats in border regions.
Whilst welcoming the agreement, Geblewicz stated that the pandemic had shown the importance of a European Health Union. Furthermore 70% of Europeans have expressed their wish for a stronger EU health policy. Looking forward, Geblewicz said that the CoR should be part of the 2024 evaluation of the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and reminded that LRAs fund, design, manage and deliver healthcare service on the ground. Many are involved in cross-border healthcare projects, running joint screening and testing, providing specialised care, operating transnational ambulances or even hospitals. "Cross-border healthcare needs to be better recognised, supported and streamlined. It makes sense economically and socially. It is the future."