How multi-level decision-making shaped Europe’s response to the pandemic

Summary:

How were COVID-19 policy measures implemented at different policy levels across Europe? Drawing on new research, the authors find evidence that many best practices emerged during the pandemic, especially in decentralised health systems and in research.

Nevertheless, stronger and more sophisticated coordination is needed in decentralised health systems, and stable communication channels between health organisations and national policymaking forums remain crucial for facilitating science-based policy solutions. They also suggest the health of non-humans should be better integrated into healthcare systems.