21
May
2026
Watch
The Union’s preparedness for and response to health emergencies: the case of the MV Hondius and the hantavirus warning (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, the episode of MV Hondius reminds us that we are never sufficiently prepared for health threats, although we are learning from previous episodes. First of all, the joint work undertaken between national and European authorities to facilitate the evacuation of persons on board should be commended. The fact that States have applied different quarantine protocols for their nationals has been criticized. But this pretext should not be used to overturn the competence of States in health matters, especially since European coordination has worked well in terms of logistics. That's what we need to focus on. It must be ensured that the European instruments available, such as the civil protection mechanism, are complementary to the resources of the Member States. I would like to stress the case of the outermost regions, which are at the Union's external borders and therefore vulnerable points of entry. Let's make sure that any strategic stockpile of drugs, medical equipment and protective equipment can be delivered quickly.