Navigating the role of the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) in Europe and beyond

In the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid shortages for essential medicines, reagents, and equipment, the European Commission (EC) struggled to develop a coordinated and comprehensive European response. The EC now seeks to strengthen its role in preparedness planning and response through, among other measures, the establishment of the European Union (EU) Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). While the remit and scope of HERA is yet to be formally agreed, it is envisaged to play a similar role to the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and be responsible for:

The proposed focus is broad, and HERA will be expected to operate among a multiplicity of agents already responsible for preparedness planning and response in Europe. To stimulate debate and discussion, we consider potential functions of HERA and how they may complement the roles and responsibilities of pre-existing EC agencies and institutions.