The two-day conference 'Europe united against old and new pandemics' which was organised under the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, concluded in Antwerp on 15 May 2024. This event marked an important step forward in the collective effort to improve global research and innovation (R&I) for pandemic preparedness and response.
Insightful sessions and inclusive discussions
The conference was built around plenary and parallel sessions, combined with dedicated panel discussions. In this way, the conference provided a platform for sharing a broad spectrum of views and strategies, covering different aspects of pandemic preparedness and response. Discussions focused on the needs of establishing a network of clinical study centres that can be activated promptly in case of emerging pandemic crises. The need to address pandemic preparedness globally, while adopting a One Health approach, was also discussed. There was a common understanding that promoting a comprehensive and forward-looking public health dialogue is essential to support future pandemic preparedness.
Diseases don’t know borders. More pandemics will occur, with a big impact on society. The role of research and collaboration for faster preparedness cannot be underestimated.
IRÈNE NORSTEDT, DIRECTOR OF THE PEOPLE: HEALTH & SOCIETY DIRECTORATE WITHIN DG RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (DG RTD) AT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Fostering strategic alliances
A key aspect of the conference was the focus on strengthening strategic partnerships to be better prepared for a pandemic. The European partnership on pandemic preparedness which is under preparation will take a central role in forwarding the strategic research and innovation agenda, in particular to establish a network of ever-warm clinical research centres. Options to align with the future European partnership in One Health AMR are crucial for adopting the One Health concept and addressing the potential pandemic threat posed by AMR outbreaks. Additionally, aligning with the Joint Undertaking EDCTP3 may offer a way forward in tackling the global aspects of pandemics.
Aligning with European partnerships is strategically important, but active collaboration with European research infrastructures, such as ERINHA, BBMRI, and ECRIN, is equally essential to building a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances pandemic preparedness.
The dialogue and exchanges of the event may influence the development of a policy framework that will guide future health strategies and initiatives of the European Union.
Towards a resilient and prepared Europe
The conference was not only a gathering of expert opinions, but also a commitment to concrete action. The closing remarks summarised the spirit of the event and emphasised the translation of dialogues into concrete policies and strategies for health preparedness. As Wolfgang Phillipp, Principal Advisor at HERA, said: "Leadership is decision-making, based on available evidence".
The successful conclusion of the conference "Europe united against old and new pandemics" has laid a solid foundation for a more resilient and prepared Europe, ready to effectively tackle both existing and new health threats.
A joint organisational effort
The conference was coordinated by the Flemish Department of Economy, Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Department of Research of the Walloon Public Service, the Department of Care of the Flemish Government.
The conference was co-financed and supported by DG RTD of the European Union under the form of a grant from Horizon Europe (Project PRIOHealth grant agreement No 101169088).
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Photo Credit: Europe united against old and new pandemics conference © Felle Janssens