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)
Madam President, let us imagine that, in the wake of the far right, Europe had followed in the footsteps of Trump and left the World Health Organization. Now, in the face of the hantavirus outbreak, we would be completely in the dark, with no alerts, no coordination, no response. Fortunately, that is not the case, and indeed the United States should thank the rest of the world for maintaining international cooperation that protects us all. Thanks to this, and without minimizing the tragedy for the victims and their families, there is no reason for alarm. In Europe, the risk is very low, the situation is under control, but this security requires continued external coordination and cooperation. It is factual proof that no country can protect its citizens in isolation. It's also proof that taking out a health budget to dispose of guns won't make us safer. Our best defense is in science, strong health services, medical research for new antivirals and, of course, support for WHO and international surveillance networks.