The Commission’s proposal is a response to recent crises such as the bird flu pandemic in 2009, the volcanic ash cloud in 2010 and the E. coli bacteria outbreak in 2011. It aims to strengthen measures for protecting populations by tackling cross-border threats to health more efficiently and effectively.
It is only through a well-prepared, co-ordinated and efficient approach at EU level that member states can better provide the public with the necessary protection and information they need when faced with a health pandemic.