ECDC assessments identify preparedness strengths and gaps across Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has completed the first cycle of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPAs), which began in 2024 and examined prevention, preparedness and response planning across EU/EEA countries. The assessments covered surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency management, risk communication and coordination. ECDC conducted them with the European Commission, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and other partners.

ECDC reported strong overall capacities in laboratory systems, surveillance and health emergency management, and noted countries’ efforts to strengthen preparedness after the COVID-19 pandemic. Common challenges included plans that are not consistently implemented, staff shortages, limitations in data sharing and system interoperability, and difficulty translating data into policy decisions. ECDC recommends stronger cross-sector planning, formal coordination across sectors and regular preparedness exercises.

The findings are intended to guide targeted support to countries as they implement recommendations and will shape the next PHEPA cycle, planned for 2027–2029, with greater emphasis on national action plans and progress. The announcement does not provide country-level results or quantitative measures of capacity; it summarizes findings across the first assessment cycle.