EP agrees to creation of European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
The European Parliament voted on 10 February in favour of the creation of a new health agency following a draft proposal presented by the European Commission in June 2003. This opinion, which will be put to the Council in the near future, is a reaction to SARS, the avian flu outbreak, other communicable diseases and bio-terrorism. The new European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will pool scientific expertise to 'enable Europe to be better prepared for future epidemics,' said Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, David Byrne. Teams of disease control experts from various Member States will come together rapidly in order to implement an EU-wide response to serious health threats. UK MEP John Bowis explained: 'The EU must not be found wanting on this vital issue. It should be able to act swiftly to identify health threats and respond effectively. Until now, Member States have relied upon ad-hoc informal set-ups to cooperate, and this must be strengthened. The proposal demonstrates the positive contribution the EU can make by sharing good practice, research and expertise. The centre will allow the EU to be proactive and not just reactive.' The ECDC, if endorsed by the Council, will be granted a total budget of 47.8 million euro for the first two years. It is expected to be operative by 2005, and will be based in Sweden.