The Commission has authorised the Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Novavax. This is another important step in the fight against the disease. It is the first protein-based adapted vaccine authorised for this autumn and winter season. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) carried out an in-depth evaluation of the vaccine. Following this evaluation, the Commission […]
Commission authorises adapted COVID-19 vaccine for Member States’ autumn vaccination campaigns
The Commission has authorised the Comirnaty XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by BioNTech-Pfizer. This vaccine marks another important milestone in the fight against the disease. It is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new COVID-19 variants. The vaccine is authorised for adults, children and infants above 6 months. In line with previous recommendations by EMA […]
Statement by President von der Leyen following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic
Welcoming the WHO’s announcement that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a global health emergency, President Ursula von der Leyen made the following statement: “Finally, after more than 3 years, COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency. This is good news. This pandemic has had a heavy toll on people, our society and our economy. But we have […]
Autumn vaccination campaigns targeting the elderly and other high-risk groups will be key to reducing the impact of COVID-19
According to ECDC surveillance data, with every new wave of COVID-19 infection, individuals in older age groups are more likely to be hospitalised. Data suggest persisting SARS-CoV-2 transmission in EU/EEA countries and therefore, a continuous risk of severe disease for vulnerable groups. Although no clear seasonal pattern of virus circulation has emerged so far, data […]
Facilitating travel during the pandemic: the EU Digital COVID certificate worked
The EU Digital COVID Certificate helped to coordinate travel restrictions between EU countries and was effective in facilitating travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of other EU tools, however, was modest, a report published by the European Court of Auditors concludes. The European Commission moved fast to propose suitable technological solutions, the auditors found. […]
Impact of surge in China COVID-19 cases on epidemiological situation in EU/EEA
The number of COVID-19 cases has reached a record high in mainland China, peaking on 2 December 2022. In the past three weeks, incidence has fallen, likely also due to a lower number of tests being carried out, resulting in fewer infections being detected. ECDC, together with the EU/EEA Member States and the European Commission […]
Telework doubled in the EU to 41.7 million in 2021
41.7 million people teleworked across the EU in 2021, double the number of 2019, as COVID-19 restrictions and changes in work culture significantly impacted work organisation. While there was a small decline in 2022, this upward trend in teleworking is set to resume as technological developments are increasing the number of teleworkable jobs, and […]
Presidency Statement on the Coordination of COVID-19 Travel Measures
On 4th Janurary, the Member States of the EU, in the presence of the Schengen Associated Countries, met in the framework of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) to discuss the epidemiological situation in the EU/EEA and developments in China. The Member States agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in the light of COVID-19 developments […]
Postdoctoral Researcher about the situation of urban essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland
Offer Description Postdoctoral Researcher: The situation of urban essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic The research team “Spatial Development and Urban Policy – SPUR” led by Prof. Dr David Kaufmann and based at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher who examines the situation of urban essential workers during the […]