THE STATE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION REPORT. Europe in a period of transition

EUROPEAN HEALTH UNION 103 demic: “This is a global fight that we will win or lose to- gether. Cooperation and joint efforts at the international level and multilateral solutions are the way forward, for a true global agenda for the future.” However, it is a pity that he does not explicitly refer to the International Treaty on Pandemics proposed by the WHO. Finally, although the vaccine gives us a glimpse of the end of the covid-19 pandemic, eighteen months later it remains active in developed countries despite high rates of vaccination, but above all in the rest of the world where lack of health control encourages the emergence of variants, some of which might dodge the vaccine protection. Consequently, it is decisive that vaccination reaches all corners of the planet as soon as possible, making this a major target for the EU’s international action. In conclusion, although not without its problems, in- sufficiencies and errors, in perspective and altogether, the role of the EU in this first year of the covid-19 pandemic crisis has been - and continues to be - extraordinarily positive and irreplaceable, both to protect the health of Europeans and for the stability and recovery of the econ- omy. During this extremely tough pandemic crisis, the EU is a reference point for stability and security. It is foresee- able and desirable that this crisis might contribute, even more than others, to strengthening the EU, particularly in terms of health, doubtlessly the sector where the Union required a greater boost.