Lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations for future
Draft report to be presented to Special Committee on COVID-19 pandemic
CC – 03/2023
The European Parliament wants to learn
lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why it convened a "Special
committee focusing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and
recommendations for the future" (COVI) on
19 April 2022. It has been meeting regularly since then. A draft
report has now been presented by Dolors Montserrat (EPP/ESP), the
responsible rapporteur.
It covers four topics: Health, a
coordinated approach to respect for democracy and fundamental rights, social
and economic impact, the EU and the world. The report states that "the EU,
like the rest of the world, was not prepared to tackle this unprecedented
health crisis and its resulting shockwaves".
Resilient health systems
Health systems need to become more
resilient. This also requires adequate funding and investments in critical
health infrastructures. The draft report stated that production and supply
security must become more autonomous, diversified and transparent. HERA, the
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Agency, is to be developed
into an autonomous agency with a strong and defined mandate from the Council
and Parliament as well as its own budget.
Transparency
In view of the upcoming amendment of the pharmaceutical
legislation, the European Commission is called upon to regularly review the incentive system,
increase price transparency and identify the factors that limit affordability
and patient access to pharmaceuticals. The draft report also stated that the
development and introduction of COVID-19 vaccines was a crucial response and an
EU success story. Improvements still need to be made in terms of transparency
and development, especially with regard to using public funds to purchase the
vaccines. Emphasis should also be placed on combating disinformation and
misinformation campaigns regarding vaccinations.
Socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 measures
The draft report also highlighted the
economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable groups
such as children, youths, women, older people as well as people with
disabilities were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the
related interventions. More attention must be paid to these groups. It also
calls on the EU and member states to promote digital literacy amongst older
people, to financially support online health services and facilities and to
develop support measures for caregivers.