MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) has questioned the European Commission on its assessment of an Ebola pandemic risk in the EU, its intention to declare a public health emergency, and its role in supporting Moderna's experimental mRNA-Ebola vaccine. The written question, dated 11 June 2026, suggests that Ebola is being "played up" as a threat, following what Hauser calls "scaremongering about Hantavirus" that came to nothing. He notes that Moderna received an additional EUR 50 million to speed up production of the vaccine, and that the WHO has revised suspected case numbers downwards, attributing this to resistance from local communities in Africa.
the Commission's risk assessment of an Ebola pandemic in the EU, whether it will declare a public health emergency following the WHO's declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, and the extent of its involvement in supporting Moderna's vaccine through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The MEP's tone is sceptical, implying that the EU may be overreacting and that funding for the vaccine may be disproportionate to the actual threat.
The question reflects a policy orientation that questions the EU's preparedness spending and the influence of pharmaceutical interests. Hauser appears to advocate for a more cautious, evidence-based approach to pandemic declarations and vaccine funding, potentially impacting stakeholders such as the European Commission (which must justify its risk assessments and funding decisions), Moderna (which could face delays or reduced funding if the Commission re-evaluates its support), CEPI (which coordinates vaccine development), and EU citizens (who may be affected by public health measures or vaccine investments).
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares Hauser's scepticism or maintains that the Ebola threat warrants continued investment and emergency preparedness.