During the working lunch the delegation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to food improvement. Hungary urged for legislative EU-level restrictions on trans fatty acids.
Under the first item of the agenda, the delegations exchanged views on the possibilities of tackling medicine shortages. Better exchange of information is necessary to forecast and identify shortages. It would also be useful to clarify the legal obligations of marketing authorization holders regarding supply security.
The delegations discussed the EU situation of tuberculosis (TB), particularly focusing on treatment, antimicrobial resistance and vaccination. Member States supported that the Commission develops an integrated, comprehensive policy framework on TB, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. The delegations agreed to strengthen regional cooperation and policy dialogue on TB and antimicrobial resistance with Eastern Partnership countries.
An exchange of views on vaccines also took place at the informal Council meeting under a separate agenda item. Ministers agreed that the European Commission could have a great impact in the communication dealing with vaccination-related aversions of certain society groups. Also, several Member States acknowledged that the joint vaccine procurement coordinated by the Commission could play an important role in securing vaccine supply. Hungary also stressed that the existence of local manufacturing capacities is of key importance for supply security.
