EU Health and Food Safety

Want to stay up to date with the latest developments in EU health and food safety? The latest edition of the DG SANTE newsletter features an interview with Rainer Becker, Director for Medical Products and Innovation, on the upcoming European Biotech Act and what it could mean for patients, innovation and Europe’s economy. From faster access to innovative treatments to supporting jobs, growth and Europe’s role in global health, the interview explores why biotechnology is becoming an increasingly important part of Europe’s future. Read the latest edition and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/ehiv347X #EUHealth #Biotech #Innovation #EuropeanHealthUnion #PublicHealth

Animal diseases are no longer just a veterinary issue. They may pose risks to human health and impact economies, food security and society as a whole. Recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, African swine fever, sheep and goat pox, and lumpy skin disease in the EU showed how quickly animal diseases can disrupt trade, strain public budgets, threaten food systems and impact rural communities across borders.   DG SANTE was at the World Organisation for Animal Health General Session this week to share a clear message: investing in prevention costs far less—and delivers far greater results—than managing large-scale crises after diseases have spread.   Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stressed that stronger animal health systems are essential to economic resilience, food security and global health preparedness under a One Health approach.   Director Bernard Van Goethem gave an overview of the main animal disease challenges in the EU in 2025–2026 and highlighted the EU coordinated response system based on preparedness, surveillance, vaccination, laboratory support and international cooperation. He underlined the importance of rapid and harmonised action across Member States to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread.   And, throughout the week, DG SANTE colleagues shared their insights and experience on preparedness, international cooperation, resource mobilization, science-based standards and sustainable investment in veterinary systems.   The takeaway from this year’s WOAH General Session is clear: protecting animal health is about protecting everyone’s health. It safeguards human health, secures food systems, stabilises economies, and reinforces global security.   Prevention must remain at the centre of global action. #WOAHGS #AnimalHealthEU #OneHealth

Update on Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo - 21 May - ECDC publishes a risk assessment. --- The risk to the general population in Europe from the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda remains 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗪, according to our new risk assessment published today. At the same time, we are urging EU/EEA countries to strengthen preparedness as the situation continues to evolve. --- 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 Exit screening in affected countries, as well as ensuring that travellers returning from affected areas are informed about symptoms and seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop are key for control of this outbreak. The likelihood of transmission within the EU/EEA is considered 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗪, as imported cases are expected to be rapidly identified and isolated, with infection prevention and control measures implemented immediately. 𝗘𝗖𝗗𝗖 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 We are monitoring the situation in full collaboration with international partners, including World Health Organization and Africa CDC. --- Read full news item ➡️ https://bit.ly/4v2xhwv Threat Assessment Brief ➡️ https://bit.ly/49b0kp9 Information on the outbreak ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dp7FGEUc Your questions about Ebola answered ➡️ https://bit.ly/ECDCEbolaQA #ECDC #PublicHealth #OutbreakResponse #EUHealthTaskForce #Bundibugyo

Health preparedness is stronger when citizens help shape it. This week marks the final session of the European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness. Over the past months, 150 randomly selected EU citizens have exchanged ideas and discussed what preparedness means in everyday life - including how we respond to health crises, how we build trust, communicate clearly, and strengthen our #HealthUnion. Now, these discussions are being turned into concrete recommendations that will be presented to the European Commission. Starting this afternoon, follow the discussions live 👉https://lnkd.in/dyiKBvQ9

The latest #Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been declared public health emergency of international concern.   This is a situation that is evolving rapidly, and we are in constant contact with international partners, including the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization   Today, Sandra Gallina chaired a high-level EU Health Security Committee, to keep national authorities informed about the latest developments and to coordinate response efforts. The HSC agreed to develop an Opinion with guidance and recommendations.   Based on available information, the ECDC considers: Ø the infection risk for people living in the EU/EEA to be very low Ø the likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to the affected areas to be low   Anyone who is returning from an affected area who develops symptoms such as fever, headache, or general malaise within 21 days of return, should seek prompt medical attention and inform their healthcare providers about the recent travel history and potential exposure.   Stay up to date on developments through our dedicated webpage: https://lnkd.in/eWYMnU2v   #HealthUnion

🌱 We warmly welcome the final agreement on new EU rules for forest reproductive material which was confirmed at a signing ceremony in Strasbourg today. The new rules will help improve the quality, availability and traceability of seeds and plants used to regenerate Europe’s forests. As such they will support more resilient ecosystems in the face of climate change, extreme weather events and natural disasters. The new rules agreed today will: ✅ strengthen traceability of Forest reproductive material from collection to marketing ✅ support innovation, including digital traceability systems ✅ improve cooperation between Member States for cross-border forests ✅ ensure only approved and certified material is placed on the EU market ✅ help secure sufficient supply for reforestation efforts across Europe Healthy forests are essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, food systems and public health. Today’s marks an important step towards ensuring Europe’s forests can thrive for generations to come. #Forests #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #Sustainability 

Advancing clinical trials means accelerating innovation and bringing better treatments to patients across Europe. On #InternationalClinicalTrialsDay, we reaffirm our commitment to make Europe a more attractive, agile and innovation-friendly place for clinical research. #BiotechAct #Clinicaltrials #Innovation

On International Clinical Trials Day, we recognise all those across Europe who make clinical research possible — from researchers and healthcare professionals to hospitals, universities, biotech innovators and pharmaceutical companies. Clinical trials are not only central to medical progress. They are central to Europe’s future competitiveness, innovation and resilience.   Europe already stands on strong foundations: 🔹 world-class science 🔹 highly skilled talent 🔹 trusted regulatory standards 🔹 leading research centres and hospitals   Now, Europe is taking action to become one of the most attractive places in the world to conduct clinical trials.   Through the Clinical Trials Regulation and the Clinical Trials Information System (#CTIS), the EU has already streamlined and harmonised the way multinational trials are authorised across Member States.   The reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation will further strengthen Europe’s clinical research environment by reducing administrative burdens, supporting innovative therapies and encouraging more research and clinical trials in Europe.   And the future European Biotech Act will help close the gap between scientific excellence and commercial success by: 🔹 cutting clinical trial timelines 🔹 accelerating the use of AI in clinical trials 🔹 introducing regulatory sandboxes 🔹 modernising rules for advanced therapies, from CAR-T cells to gene therapies   The direction is clear: faster approvals, smarter regulation, stronger innovation ecosystems — and quicker access for patients to breakthrough treatments.   Europe has the science. Europe has the talent. Now Europe is building the conditions to lead the next generation of medical innovation. #EUBiotech #ClinicalTrials #Innovation

🎗️ Around 2.7 million Europeans receive a cancer diagnosis every year — yet access to prevention, diagnosis and care still varies significantly across Europe. ⚖️ A person’s age, income, education or where they live can still shape their cancer journey and outcomes. On 22 May, at the webinar “Are We Reducing Cancer Inequalities in Europe? How Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is making a difference”, we will follow the journey of a virtual cancer patient and explore how initiatives under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan are helping tackle inequalities across prevention, diagnosis and care. 📅 Only a few days left to register Registration Link ➡️ https://lnkd.in/detumCty 💬 Join the conversation on how we can reduce cancer inequalities and improve outcomes for patients across Europe. #EU4Health #EUCancerPlan #CancerInequalities #EWAC

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern: ECDC continues monitoring. The outbreak, caused by Bundibugyo virus, is affecting at least three health zones in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Unlike the more commonly detected Zaire ebolavirus, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease. 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗥𝗖 According to WHO, as of 16 May 2026, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported. Two confirmed cases with a history of travel from DRC have also been reported in Uganda. Community deaths among people with symptoms compatible with Ebola virus disease have been reported in Ituri Province, and suspected cases have been identified in both Ituri and North Kivu. Four deaths among healthcare workers have also been reported among people with symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fever, raising concerns regarding healthcare-associated transmission. According to WHO, neighbouring countries sharing land borders with DRC are considered at high risk for further spread due to population mobility, trade and travel links, and uncertainty about the transmission chains. The outbreak may also be larger than currently detected. 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 For people living in the EU/EEA, the likelihood of infection is currently considered 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘄. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continues monitoring the outbreak through its epidemic intelligence activities and remains in close contact with partners, including Africa CDC, European Commission and World Health Organization. We are also in discussions with partners regarding a potential role for the EU Health Task Force. Our assessment will be updated as new information becomes available. Read more in our news item here: https://bit.ly/4uKYH9O #PublicHealth #Ebola #DRC #OutbreakResponse #EUHealthTaskForce #PHEIC