Speeches

The Spanish Socialists in the European Parliament consider it necessary to maintain and strengthen the EU's preparedness and response to new waves of COVID and future pandemics. We consider the Commission communication of 27 April 'COVID-19: Supporting the EU's preparedness and response for the future" although we believe there is a need to strengthen several aspects. First, the Commission should ensure that there is a coordinated vaccination and therapeutic strategy for future COVID waves, as well as a long-term perspective on vaccine research. Second, the Commission should support and ensure that Member States have sufficient healthcare capacities during the next wave of COVID-19, including the protection of vulnerable groups, so that there is no further risk of overburdening national health sectors. Third, the Commission should also support Member States in reducing and preventing disinformation during this pandemic and potential future pandemics. Finally, the Commission should address cross-border pathogens under the One Health Approach and available surveillance systems.