Session 16

Investing in health security for a resilient European future

Are we prepared?

Organised by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, climate change, natural disasters, growing social inequalities, and the rise of misinformation, Europe faces a new kind of uncertainty. We need to understand how to navigate this complex landscape and continue to advance public health, building strong and resilient health systems for health security. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed us that underinvesting in preparedness and prevention costs lives, weakens economies, and erodes trust in institutions. The question is no longer if we should invest in health security, but how boldly we are willing to act.

Health security is not a luxury, it is a cornerstone of Europe’s future. From tackling vector-borne diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases to fighting antimicrobial resistance, we must be ready for both known and unknown threats. Access to medical countermeasures is essential, but true resilience begins long before a crisis: with political commitment, robust health systems, and proactive strategies.

This session will explore health security from multiple perspectives, focusing on necessary public health interventions and actions, the economic impact of inaction, policy decisions, and the power of cross-sectoral collaboration. How can we keep prevention and preparedness high on the agenda, even as Member States face competing priorities? How can we align Member States’ strategies to build a truly European approach to health security? And how do we clearly demonstrate the return on investment?

Join us to discuss how today’s decisions will shape tomorrow’s health security. Because resilient societies are not built in the heat of crisis, they are built in advance.

Further speakers to be announced