The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) is a directorate-general[1] of the European Commission created to prepare the EU for a future pandemic and to avoid the mistakes made during the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
[2][3][4] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first announced plans for such a body in 2020.
[2] On 15 September 2021, the EU announced the launch of HERA[3] and the service was established as a directorate-general of the European Commission on 16 September.
[2][4] HERA will assess potential health threats, promote research, ensure the availability of critical production and help build stockpiles.
During a health crisis, the authority would activate emergency funding and help coordinate monitoring, acquisition and purchase of medical equipment or treatments.