Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001556/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Adam Jarubas (PPE)
EU deaths and hospitalisations due to respiratory infections including respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, influenza and COVID-19 are rising, while immunisation rates are declining in some Member Sates. Recent cuts to the EU4Health programme put EU preparedness and response to cross-border health threats under pressure, and clear policies and investment are needed to address Europe’s lung health and its impact on ageing.
The weekly European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO, and the ECDC Respiratory Diseases Forecasting Hub (RespiCast), with UK collaboration, are significant, recently launched EU tools for monitoring and forecasting the prevalence of respiratory infections. These portals build on the European health union’s ambition and are fundamental for lung health promotion and cross-border prevention of respiratory diseases.
In the face of rising vaccine hesitancy and healthcare system limitations, civil society calls for the wide dissemination of preventative, science-based information on respiratory infections, to increase awareness, literacy, transparency and trust in public health measures.
- 1.Does the Commission plan to make data from these portals more accessible to citizens, to enable them to make personal health decisions?
- 2.Is the Commission considering providing effective tools for healthcare professionals and citizens and promoting awareness of the portals?
- 3.What has been the reach and use of the portals since their launch?
Submitted: 16.4.2025