EUROPEAN countries continue to face challenges in preparing for future public health emergencies, despite improvements made since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new findings from a sweeping review
The findings of the survey by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), published on 29 October 2026, follow the completion of the first cycle of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPAs). The series of evaluations examined the ability of countries across the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health threats
Although the assessments highlighted progress in strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems, persistent workforce shortages, limitations in data sharing, and difficulties implementing emergency response plans remain areas of concern
Persistent Challenges Across Europe
Launched in 2024, the assessments were conducted by the ECDC in collaboration with national authorities, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe
The assessments examined several areas of public health preparedness, including disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency management, risk communication, and coordination between healthcare sectors
According to the ECDC, many countries have made considerable efforts to improve their emergency response capabilities following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through stronger governance structures and improvements in laboratory and surveillance capacity
However, the findings revealed that preparedness plans are not always fully implemented, while staffing shortages and difficulties sharing information between different systems continue to present challenges
The ECDC also identified shortcomings in translating surveillance data into effective public health policy decisions, raising questions about how efficiently countries could respond to future emergencies
An interim report published in June 2026, covering assessments from 15 European countries, similarly highlighted shared strengths and weaknesses in preparedness, despite differences in national healthcare systems
Strengthening Europe’s Response to Future Health Threats
To address these challenges, the ECDC has recommended greater collaboration between sectors, stronger emergency planning, and regular exercises to test countries’ ability to respond to public health threats
The completion of the first assessment cycle marks a shift towards implementing these recommendations, with the ECDC planning targeted support to help countries strengthen their preparedness capabilities
A second assessment cycle, scheduled for 2027–2029, will place greater emphasis on national action plans and progress made in addressing weaknesses identified during the first round
The assessments will continue to take place every three years across EU/EEA countries, providing an opportunity to monitor improvements and identify areas requiring further attention
With infectious disease outbreaks and other cross-border health threats continuing to challenge healthcare systems, the findings highlight the importance of turning emergency preparedness plans into practical measures that can strengthen Europe’s response to future crises
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Author:
Cecilia Adamou
