Lyme disease is the most common and prevalent tick-borne disease in Europe. This bacterial infection can affect the nervous system, and about 10 % of those infected are at risk of developing a central nervous system disorder. Lyme borreliosis is treatable with antibiotics, although no licensed vaccine against this disease is currently available for prevention purposes. Moreover, no accurate description of Lyme disease epidemiology can be found in the European Union, and Lyme borreliosis is not on the list of communicable diseases covered by epidemiological surveillance. As a result, there is a lack of homogeneity in centralised Lyme borreoliosis data collection, reporting and coordination.

1. Will the Commission include Lyme disease in the European list of communicable diseases?

2. Will the Commission develop an EU surveillance programme to combat Lyme disease?

3. What measures is the Commission currently taking in order to increase public awareness of Lyme disease? What measures does it intend to take in the future?

4. Can the Commission explain how it will improve data collection methods in relation to screening and treatment administered in the Member States for the disease?

5. What concrete actions is the Commission planning in order to harmonise treatment practices in the EU and facilitate proper diagnosis and screening of Lyme disease?

6. Will the Commission increase the funding for research focused on the methods for diagnosing Lyme disease, as well as developing a vaccine and bacteriophage treatment?