Health Equity and Emergency Preparedness in the EU
On February 26th, the Master LIVE Belkaid cohort had the opportunity to visit the European Commission in Brussels. The visit provided a comprehensive introduction to the European Union’s (EU) supranational governance framework, with a specific focus on health emergency preparedness and response.
Dr. Lena Dominici, Political Executive at the European Commission, opened the session with a detailed overview of the Commission’s role as the EU’s executive arm. She explained the decision-making processes that take into account the diverse interests of the EU’s 27 member states, which together represent more than 447 million citizens. Dr. Dominici highlighted how the Commission works to balance national sovereignty with collective governance through structured collaboration among EU institutions. Her presentation also clarified the importance of shared EU values—including unity, equity, and sustainable development—in shaping health policy. For students from outside the EU, this session was particularly valuable in demystifying how the EU integrates different national perspectives within a common policy framework.
Following this, Dr. Hannah Herzig, Team Leader at the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), provided insight into how the EU strengthens its capacity to respond to cross-border health threats. Established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, HERA is responsible for anticipating health risks, supporting rapid response efforts, and ensuring the availability and distribution of critical medical supplies, such as vaccines, treatments, and protective equipment. Dr. Herzig discussed HERA’s role in managing supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures across countries with differing health system capacities. She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies in implementing timely and coordinated responses.
HERA’s model served as a practical example of how solidarity and scientific cooperation enhance collective health security within the EU. The session reinforced the idea that equitable access is not just a policy goal but a fundamental principle guiding EU health emergency management—alongside transparency, coordination, and joint responsibility.
The visit also highlighted the EU’s investment in long-term resilience through research and innovation. Dr. Dominici and Dr. Herzig discussed how initiatives like Horizon Europe and EU4Health support cross-border collaboration, drive technological progress, and strengthen the EU’s capacity to address future health threats.
Engaging directly with senior officials offered students a valuable opportunity to understand both the political and operational dimensions of health governance at the supranational level. These conversations prompted deeper reflection on how large institutions reconcile national priorities while promoting shared values. The visit effectively bridged academic theory and real-world policymaking, emphasizing the role of governance, science, and ethical leadership in advancing public health.
We thank Dr. Lena Dominici and Dr. Hannah Herzig for generously sharing their time and expertise with us.
Master LIVE M1 visit the European Commission
Health Equity and Emergency Preparedness in the EU
On February 26th, the Master LIVE Belkaid cohort had the opportunity to visit the European Commission in Brussels. The visit provided a comprehensive introduction to the European Union’s (EU) supranational governance framework, with a specific focus on health emergency preparedness and response.
Dr. Lena Dominici, Political Executive at the European Commission, opened the session with a detailed overview of the Commission’s role as the EU’s executive arm. She explained the decision-making processes that take into account the diverse interests of the EU’s 27 member states, which together represent more than 447 million citizens. Dr. Dominici highlighted how the Commission works to balance national sovereignty with collective governance through structured collaboration among EU institutions. Her presentation also clarified the importance of shared EU values—including unity, equity, and sustainable development—in shaping health policy. For students from outside the EU, this session was particularly valuable in demystifying how the EU integrates different national perspectives within a common policy framework.
Following this, Dr. Hannah Herzig, Team Leader at the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), provided insight into how the EU strengthens its capacity to respond to cross-border health threats. Established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, HERA is responsible for anticipating health risks, supporting rapid response efforts, and ensuring the availability and distribution of critical medical supplies, such as vaccines, treatments, and protective equipment. Dr. Herzig discussed HERA’s role in managing supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures across countries with differing health system capacities. She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies in implementing timely and coordinated responses.
HERA’s model served as a practical example of how solidarity and scientific cooperation enhance collective health security within the EU. The session reinforced the idea that equitable access is not just a policy goal but a fundamental principle guiding EU health emergency management—alongside transparency, coordination, and joint responsibility.
The visit also highlighted the EU’s investment in long-term resilience through research and innovation. Dr. Dominici and Dr. Herzig discussed how initiatives like Horizon Europe and EU4Health support cross-border collaboration, drive technological progress, and strengthen the EU’s capacity to address future health threats.
Engaging directly with senior officials offered students a valuable opportunity to understand both the political and operational dimensions of health governance at the supranational level. These conversations prompted deeper reflection on how large institutions reconcile national priorities while promoting shared values. The visit effectively bridged academic theory and real-world policymaking, emphasizing the role of governance, science, and ethical leadership in advancing public health.
We thank Dr. Lena Dominici and Dr. Hannah Herzig for generously sharing their time and expertise with us.
2025.03.05 – Belkaid Prom’
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