EC communication on EU response to COVID-19

20 September 2022: The European Commission adopted a Communication on 2 September to propose a common approach for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons. The Communication urges Member States to put in place the necessary strategies and structures to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases later in 2022 - including vaccination and surveillance for COVID-19 - and to assist and put in place the necessary structures that allow the EU to respond to future outbreaks in a sustained manner.

More specifically, national vaccination strategy should:

• clarify which vaccines should be used for which population groups, including the new and adapted vaccines;
• increase vaccine uptake by maintaining sufficient vaccination capacities and increasing vaccine confidence;
• focus on primary vaccination and first booster doses to those who are eligible, whilst ensuring additional booster doses for the most vulnerable;
• consider combining COVID-19 and influenza vaccination campaigns; and
• ensure clear and regularly-updated communication, based on epidemiological developments, behavioural insights and public perception.

Co-ordination among Member States is essential to mitigate the impact of new pandemic surges and future health crises. Member States should be prepared for:

• integrated surveillance systems for respiratory infections;
• a possible reintroduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions, including facemasks and limiting the size of gatherings, on the basis of the epidemiological situation;
• strengthening healthcare systems and capacity;
• joint procurement of COVID-19 therapeutics;
• co-operation on safer, more transparent multi-country clinical trials;
• addressing post-COVID condition ('long COVID'); and
• safe, free movement of people and goods in the EU.

Continued efforts to facilitate free movement in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic remain crucial, both for people and goods. In the context of travel from third countries, the European Commission will propose a revision of the Council Recommendation to take account of the changed epidemiological situation, increased vaccination across the globe and the developments of entry requirements in the Member States.