Consumers need swift access to medicines that address cross-border threats

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union did not have the right tools in place to facilitate swift consumer access to crisis-relevant medicines and other essential products, such as protective equipment. Since then, the EU institutions have focused on reinforcing the Union’s framework for crisis prevention and response. Whilst positive, more needs to be done. As a next step, the EU should adopt a Strategy on Medical Countermeasures that effectively contributes to their development, availability, and affordability for all. 

This paper sums up our position on medical countermeasures.