The Commission is working to ensure that the response by Member States to serious cross-border threats to health is coherent and well coordinated. This includes notifying all types of threats at EU level, not only communicable diseases. The Commission is working in close cooperation with the Member States.
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Preparedness and response
Risk management
Health Security Committee
The Commission coordinates health security measures in the EU through its Health Security Committee (HSC). This Committee has been set up by the EU health ministers in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in 2001 and the deliberate release of Anthrax toxins in the US.
Over the years the Committee has established a solid base for preparedness activities. It exchanges information and evaluates health events. It is a discussion forum that advises health ministers and coordinates crisis response by Member States.
Priority issues and examples of activities of the Health Security committee
The committee is composed of representatives from each national administration, the Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumers and other relevant Commission departments and agencies (e.g. ECDC, EMA).
Health Security Initiative
The Health Security Initiative launched by the Commission on 8 December 2011 seeks to strengthen the mandate of the committee by formalising its status.