THL coordinates major EU joint action aiming to improve preparedness for health threats and strategic stockpiling in Europe
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed several shortcomings in the European Union’s crisis preparedness. There were deficiencies in the availability of medical supplies, weaknesses in crisis management, and problems in coordination between Member States. In addition, the war in Ukraine, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threats, and the impacts of climate change further highlight the need to strengthen the EU’s preparedness in the security and health sectors.
The newly launched EU joint action, JA STOCKPILE (Joint Action on Comprehensive and Sustainable Strategic Stockpiles of Medical Countermeasures Used in Crisis), aims to improve the EU Member States’ capacity to respond to serious cross-border health threats by developing various aspects of medical countermeasure stockpiling. The goal is that, in the future, the European model for strategic stockpiling of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) is more coordinated, sustainable and efficient.
The joint action will enhance cooperation between Member States in medical stockpiling, promote Europe’s independence in crisis situations, and harmonize the situational awareness of the level of preparedness for cross-border health threats across Europe.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) coordinates the joint action and acts as the co-lead for the work package on the effective distribution and deployment of medicinal products. THL also works closely with other organizations developing strategic stockpiling, such as the European Commission—particularly the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)—and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The project involves 25 European countries and a total of 54 organizations. The project will last three years and is funded by the European Union’s EU4Health programme.
The JA STOCKPILE project partners met in Helsinki on 9–10 September 2025 for a kickoff event, which brought together project representatives, key stakeholders, and other experts in the field.
Further information
Hannu Kiviranta
Head of Preparedness
THL
tel. +358 29 524 6361
[email protected]
Eero Mäki-Lohiluoma
Senior Specialist
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8325
[email protected]
