The litmus test of the European Union’s preparedness to deal with health crises has been monkeypox. The results of the “test” are not at all satisfactory.

It is now clear that Brussels, which now has to deal with two public health emergencies: coronavirus pandemic and monkeypox, they failed to protect the Europeans with the necessary vaccine as well as medicines.

However, it was recently created for this purpose. European Commission Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). Its main purpose was to prepare Member States for future health threats, and to immediately procure vaccines and medicines, should the need arise, so that all EU citizens have quick and equal access to them.

Despite the many promises that accompanied its creation, HERA has yet to sign new contracts for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines or antiviral pills.

At a time when monkeypox is recognized as a global health threat, European authorities have announced the purchase of just 163,000 doses of vaccine with Community funds. France has already purchased 250,000 doses and the UK 130,000.

The only positive is that the European Commission knows exactly what is going on and is committed to fixing the faults, giving the Authority more power and independence.

These changes should not be expected to occur in the near future. After all, the work of HERA will be evaluated by the Commission for the first time in 2024.