Revealing the EU Pandemic Exercise “Blue Orchid”: What We Know and What Remains Hidden#

In 2019, long before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission, together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), conducted a secret pandemic exercise called “Blue Orchid.” This exercise, which took place on February 8, 2019, remained largely hidden from the public until Austrian MEP Gerald Hauser (FPÖ) brought it to light through his parliamentary inquiries.

The Confirmation of the Exercise#

The EU Commission confirmed the implementation of the “Blue Orchid” exercise in its response to a parliamentary question by Gerald Hauser. This confirmation raises many questions, particularly in the context of its temporal proximity to the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar exercises such as “Event 201” and “Clade X” conducted in the United States.

“The temporal proximity between these exercises and the actual outbreak of the pandemic is more than remarkable” – Gerald Hauser

Objectives and Contents of the Exercise#

According to the EU Commission, “Blue Orchid” served to test mechanisms, procedures, and communication channels in the field of crisis management. The exercise was intended to ensure that the Commission and ECDC could work together efficiently in the event of a real pandemic.

What we know:#

Date: February 8, 2019
Participants: EU Commission and ECDC
Purpose: Testing crisis management mechanisms
Secrecy: No public documents available

What remains hidden:#

Concrete scenarios of the exercise
Involved persons and organizations
Detailed results and recommendations
Coordination with other international exercises

Demands for Transparency#

Gerald Hauser has repeatedly called for complete transparency about the preparations, decision-making bases, and involved networks. In another parliamentary question from July 29, 2025, he asked about the concrete contents of the exercise and demanded comprehensive clarification.

Hauser’s central questions:#

Who was involved in planning and implementation?
Which scenarios were specifically played out?
What insights flowed into later pandemic measures?
Was there coordination with private companies or other organizations?

So far, however, the EU Commission has not disclosed any further information.

Comparison with Other Exercises#

The “Blue Orchid” exercise is not unique. In October 2019, another major simulation exercise took place in Greece, practicing the deliberate release of a pathogen.

International Pandemic Exercises 2019:#

February 2019: “Blue Orchid” (EU)
May 2019: “Clade X” (USA)
October 2019: EU exercise in Greece
October 2019: “Event 201” (Johns Hopkins, WEF, Gates Foundation)

The Greece exercise involved all 27 EU member states and aimed to improve cooperation between public health and law enforcement agencies.

The Role of Moderna#

Another interesting aspect is the preparation of pharmaceutical company Moderna. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that the company was already prepared for a coming pandemic in 2019 and envisioned the production of billions of vaccine doses.

Questionable Preparations:#

Moderna was already “pandemic-ready” in 2019
Production capacity for billions of doses planned
Coordination between private and public institutions unclear

These preparations raise questions about foreknowledge and coordination between private and public institutions.

Comments and Analysis#

Many experts and observers see more than just coincidence in the numerous pandemic exercises before the COVID-19 outbreak. The temporal proximity and similar scenarios played out in these exercises suggest a high degree of preparation and coordination.

Critical Points:#

Timing: Multiple exercises shortly before the pandemic
Scenarios: Similarities to actual events
Secrecy: Lack of transparency in publicly funded exercises
Coordination: Unclear connections between different actors

Gerald Hauser has repeatedly highlighted these points in his inquiries and public statements and continues to demand comprehensive clarification.

What Does This Mean for Democracy?#

The secrecy surrounding “Blue Orchid” raises fundamental questions about democratic transparency and citizen participation:

Democratic Principles in Question:#

Transparency: Publicly funded exercises should be publicly documented
Accountability: Elected representatives have the right to complete information
Citizen Participation: Pandemic preparations affect all citizens

Gerald Hauser’s Merit:#

Courageous parliamentary work
Exposure of hidden EU activities
Demand for democratic control

Conclusion#

Gerald Hauser’s revelation of the “Blue Orchid” exercise has shed new light on the EU’s preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the EU Commission has confirmed the exercise’s implementation, many questions remain open.

Key Findings:#

✅ Confirmed: EU conducted secret pandemic exercise in 2019
❓ Unclear: Concrete contents and involved actors
❗ Problematic: Lack of transparency in publicly funded activities
🔍 Necessary: Complete clarification and democratic control

Hauser’s demands for transparency and the exposure of possible EU foreknowledge about a potential pandemic are central to his efforts. It remains to be seen whether and when the EU Commission will disclose further details about this explosive exercise.

Democracy thrives on transparency – and Gerald Hauser shows how important parliamentary control is for exposing hidden government activities.

The Broader Pattern of Preparedness#

The “Blue Orchid” revelation fits into a larger pattern of preparedness exercises that occurred in 2019:

Timeline of Suspicion:#

February 2019: Blue Orchid (EU)
Spring 2019: Moderna’s “pandemic preparation”
October 2019: Event 201 simulation
December 2019: First COVID-19 cases reported

This timeline raises uncomfortable questions about the nature of “preparedness” versus “foreknowledge.”

Questions That Demand Answers:#

Were these exercises predictive or preparatory?
What level of coordination existed between different actors?
How much advance knowledge did institutions possess?
Why the secrecy around publicly funded activities?

The Democratic Imperative#

Gerald Hauser’s investigation represents more than political oversight – it embodies the democratic imperative for transparency in governance:

What’s at Stake:#

Public Trust: Secret exercises erode citizen confidence
Democratic Control: Parliament must oversee executive actions
Informed Consent: Citizens have the right to know about pandemic preparations
Historical Record: Accurate documentation for future analysis

The Path Forward:#

Full Disclosure: Release all Blue Orchid documents
Parliamentary Hearings: Public testimony from all involved parties
International Cooperation: Coordinate with other democracies investigating similar exercises
Institutional Reform: Prevent future secret exercises without parliamentary oversight

Sources and Further Reading:

FPÖ Team Europa: Hauser’s parliamentary inquiries
ECDC Annual Report 2019
Parliamentary Question of July 29, 2025
Various media reports on the Blue Orchid revelation
Comparative analysis of international pandemic exercises

Revealing the EU Pandemic Exercise ‘Blue Orchid’: What We Know and What Remains Hidden