Shortages of medical supplies, weaknesses in crisis management, and a lack of coordination between EU member states highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe’s response capacity. In addition, recent events such as the war in Ukraine, with the associated risks of toxins and radioactivity (CBRN), and the growing impacts of climate change have further underlined the importance of strengthening Europe’s security and health preparedness.

To address these challenges, a new EU Joint Action has been launched under the name JA STOCKPILE^*. The initiative aims to improve coordination and preparedness within the EU/EEA and neighbouring countries in response to serious cross-border health threats. It includes the development of sustainable stockpiles of medicines and essential equipment, ensuring better access and faster deployment in times of crisis.

The project’s objective is to ensure that Europe is better equipped to manage future emergencies, with a focus on stronger coordination and greater capacity to acquire, store, and distribute medical countermeasures (MCMs).

JA STOCKPILE will also enhance cooperation between participating countries and provide a clearer overview of MCM stockpiles across Europe. The project involves 25

European countries and 54 institutions. It will run for three years and is funded through the EU’s health programme (EU4Health).

The project was officially launched at a kick-off meeting held on 9–10 September 2025 in Helsinki, bringing together representatives from participating countries, key stakeholders, and leading experts. In Iceland, the Chief Epidemiologist and the Icelandic Medicines Agency are among the participants.

The Chief Epidemiologist

More Information

• The project's email: ja_stockpile@thl.fi

• International cooperation at the The Directorate of Health

^*JA Stockpile (Joint Action on Comprehensive and Sustainable Strategic Stockpiles of Medical Countermeasures Used in Crisis) is funded by the EU and implemented under the EU4Health Programme (2021 – 2027). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.