Prudent use of antibiotics and more research needed to fight antimicrobial resistance

Parliament adopted its recommendations on Thursday for a coordinated EU response to health threats posed by antimicrobial resistance.

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.