In a resolution passed with 525 votes in favour, two against and 33 abstentions, MEPs say the successful tackling of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires the prudent use of antibiotics for humans and animals, good infection prevention and control measures, and more research and development into novel antimicrobials and alternatives to antimicrobials.

MEPs also said that if the measures recommended to member states prove insufficient, further legislative action at the EU level would be needed.

National measures to prevent, monitor and reduce the spread of AMR

The text calls on EU countries to put in place, implement and regularly update (at least every two years) ‘National Action Plans’ against AMR, as a priority for their national health systems.

To support the prudent use of antimicrobials for human health, MEPs want to improve data collection, including real-time data, both on AMR and antimicrobial consumption. They also ask the Commission to establish an EU-level…