Berlin, June 10 (RHC)-- The leaders of France, Germany and four other EU member states have said Europe has fallen short against the coronavirus outbreak and urged Brussels to consider ways to better prepare for the next pandemic.

They added that Europe's response to the outbreak in which 184,256 people have died has "raised questions" about the EU's preparedness for pandemics and has shown the need for a Europe-wide approach.

In a letter and policy paper addressed to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders said: "We hope that the paper can serve as an inspiration for fruitful, further discussions at European level on how to ensure the EU's preparedness for future pandemics."