Is there really a plan to merge the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)?

Question for written answer E-000664/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE) Subject: Is there really a plan to merge the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)? Report 12/20241 of the European Court of Auditors assessing the preparedness for and policies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic shows that the EU cannot yet be considered fully prepared to manage serious cross-border threats and public health emergencies, underlining the importance of coordinated action. However, in the last few days, there has been an increase in the number of publications talking about the possibility of a merger of the European Authority for Preparedness and Response to Emergency Health Situations with the European Commission’s Directorate- General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. To date, 11 Member States, including Greece, have expressed grave concerns regarding the above possibility, pointing out the risk of undermining the EU’s ability to respond adequately to health emergencies. In light of this: 1. Does the Commission really intend to proceed with the aforementioned merger plan? 2. If so, what will be the implications for the provision of financial support for actions aimed at strengthening the EU’s health security framework? 3. How does the Commission intend to ensure that there are adequate coordination mechanisms to help the EU respond quickly and effectively to future major public health...