The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Europe hard. Public health strategies adopted by EU countries have varied significantly, highlighting the different capacities of national health systems. It has also brought to the fore the lack of a common approach and the deficiencies in health crisis management at both the EU and international level.

Lessons need to be drawn to better shield populations and socio-economic systems, as well as to enhance health services’ ability to deal with pandemics, and make them more resilient to cross-border health threats. This Policy Dialogue will discuss how coordination can be strengthened at EU and global level, the contribution of different stakeholders to strengthening health systems’ preparedness and response to future health crises, as well as possible reforms.