Council Decision (EU) 2022/451 of 3 March 2022 authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as complementary amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)

1 The Commission is hereby authorised to negotiate on behalf of the Union, for matters falling within Union competence, in accordance with the Treaties, an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as complementary amendments to the IHR, within the framework of WHA decision SSA2(5) of 1 December 2021 and of WHO Executive Board decision EB150(3) of 26 January 2022 respectively.

2 The negotiations shall be conducted on the basis of the negotiating directives set out in the addendum to this Decision. Those directives shall be revised and further developed as appropriate depending on the evolution of the negotiations.

1 The negotiations shall be conducted in close consultation with the Working Party on Public Health, which is hereby designated as the special committee within the meaning of Article 218(4) TFEU.

2 The Commission shall report to and consult the special committee on a regular basis. Whenever requested by the Council, the Commission shall report to the Council on the conduct and the outcome of the negotiations, including in writing.

This Decision is addressed to the Commission.