Brussels launches European vaccine hub to revolutionize pandemic response

The European Commission (EC) has announced the launch of a new European Vaccine Hub (EVH) in Siena, Italy, as part of a strategic initiative to enhance Europe's preparedness and response capabilities during future pandemics.

The hub aims to strengthen the continent’s ability to quickly and effectively produce and distribute life-saving vaccines, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Hadja Lahbib, the Belgian Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness, and crisis management, emphasized the significance of the development, noting that the launch of the European Vaccine Hub marked a major step forward in ensuring Europe's ability to respond quickly and effectively to future pandemics. She also highlighted that Europe was investing in a sustainable and stable future, where life-saving vaccines could be rapidly delivered to those who needed them most.

The European Commission outlined key objectives for the EVH, which includes accelerating vaccine development to less than four months from the identification of a pathogen's genome. The initiative will integrate investments in vaccine research and development from various EU member states, aiming to streamline collaborative research efforts across the region. The new hub will serve as a consortium of Europe’s foremost vaccine development organizations and national pandemic preparedness programs.

Funded by the EC’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority under the EU4Health program, the EVH project will receive up to €102 million in support. Brussels has underscored that the hub’s decentralized, flexible structure will revolutionize the process of vaccine development and enable Europe to better respond to future health emergencies.

By creating a collaborative framework for vaccine innovation and preparedness, the European Vaccine Hub is positioned to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the EU remains equipped to tackle the challenges posed by pandemics in the years to come.

By Vafa Guliyeva