Values in challenging times : strategic crisis management in the EU

Abstract

Crises cause hardships and often existential threats to citizens. They also pose significant challenges to policy makers. Against this backdrop, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) was, next to the Group of Chief Scientific Advisers (GCSA), tasked to produce expert advice on Strategic Crisis Management in the European Union. Their statement was published alongside the Scientific Opinion of the GCSA and an Evidence Review Report by the SAPEA consortium.1–3 The EGE recognises that policy making should be based on sound scientific evidence that identifies the root causes of specific crises and analyses how different groups are affected by them. It highlights the need for public health authorities and political decision-makers to establish suitable opportunities for people from as many groups as possible to share their experiences and perceptions. [excerpt]