Funding for biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis

1.7.2020

Question for written answer E-003909/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

In June, Parliament adopted by a large majority a resolution calling for increased funding for myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). It is estimated that around two million people suffer from ME/CFS in the EU alone. Researchers point out that further cases of ME/CFS are to be expected in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, and that patients who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in particular face chronic fatigue, which can make it impossible to perform basic tasks and significantly reduce quality of life. In view of the above:

• 1.Will the Commission answer Parliament’s call and allocate additional funding and prioritise calls for projects specifically focused on biomedical research into ME/CFS, with a view to the development and validation of a biomedical diagnostic test and of effective biomedical treatments that can cure the disease or alleviate its effects?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to allocate additional funding to research into the long-term effects of Covid-19 and the link between the virus and ME/CFS, including in the context of potential subsequent waves of infection, and to an analysis of the actual impact on the European economy of the number of myalgic encephalomyelitis cases in the EU?