Parliamentary questions
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Question for written answer E-001952/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Liudas Mažylis (PPE), Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel (Verts/ALE), Esther de Lange (PPE), Traian Băsescu (PPE), Juozas Olekas (S&D), Cindy Franssen (PPE), Rasa Juknevičienė (PPE), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Maria Grapini (S&D), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Robert Hajšel (S&D), Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE), Bronis Ropė (Verts/ALE), Sara Cerdas (S&D), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE), Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (S&D), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Viktor Uspaskich (NI), Loucas Fourlas (PPE), Monika Beňová (S&D), Miroslav Číž (S&D)
Subject: Providing equal possibilities for the sequencing of coronavirus genomes in the Member States
Genome sequencing is one of the best ways of monitoring variants of COVID-19, and is necessary for the further development of vaccines. Furthermore, it is an important instrument for the overall combat against the pandemic. Currently genome sequencing analysis is entrusted to the Member States, but not all of them have enough capacity to cope with such challenges. It is crucial to enable equal modalities and secure resources if we want to achieve the recommended target of 5 % genome sequencing for positive tests. Acting in solidarity would improve the common public health situation in all EU. While the recently proposed Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) Incubator initiative mentions the mobilisation of resources to ensure the desired genome sequencing target is reached, there is not enough explanation of how this will be done in concrete terms.
1. What EU level financing instrument could be used to accomplish effective SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing in all Member States?
2. What are the concrete proposals and timetables to reach the equal level of sequencing SARS-CoV-2 variants throughout the European Union, and what is their scope?
3. Is there a plan to strengthen the role of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in current genome sequencing activities, in addition to the development of guidance on standardisation of sequencing procedures across the EU?.