Developing the second European Programme of Work
WHO / Mikhail Grigorev
© Credits

Developing the second European Programme of Work

Complex, interconnected crises, the revolution in artificial intelligence, ageing societies, loneliness, a breakdown in trust in science and in authorities: the WHO European Region is experiencing a time of unprecedented change and turmoil.

Recognizing these stark realities, WHO and Member States of the Region are embarking on an ambitious and exciting journey to map out the health priorities and collective action needed to provide, promote and protect health for everyone over the next 5 years, and prepare health systems for the long-term opportunities and challenges ahead.

This will form the Second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2).

"In a rapidly changing world, advancing health is a smart investment – key to strengthening individual well-being, enabling economic prosperity, building community resilience, shoring up societal stability, and nurturing solidarity across nations."

"Through EPW2, we will engage with everyone who has a stake in health, to shape a strategy that fosters innovation, builds trust in health systems, and ensures health priorities reflect the needs of the 1 billion people in our region."

– Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe



Video

Document


logo for the second European Programme of Work, WHO/Europe


Following the nomination of Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge to serve a second term as WHO Regional Director for Europe, work is underway to develop EPW2.

The overarching goal is to unite the Region’s 53 Member States to work towards a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future for all people.

It is a shared endeavour, requiring collaboration among people, patients and health professionals, and across sectors and borders.

EPW2 will tailor WHO’s global health priorities as agreed in the 14th General Programme of Work (2025–2028) to the European Region context, and accelerate action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Emerging themes

In recent years we have made significant advances in health. Now, people across the European Region live on average 5 years longer than they did at the turn of this century. Yet the Region of today is changing in unparalleled ways due to an ageing population, shrinking workforce, climate crisis, large-scale migration, powerful commercial interests, social polarization, waning trust in science and institutions, and exponential advances in digital technologies.

Health and health equity are sensitive to the complex interplay of these megatrends. They can contribute to acute health emergencies, high carbon emissions, cybersecurity threats, rising inequalities and mis- and disinformation. Yet these changes also offer solutions and opportunities to strengthen health systems and ensure they can anticipate and respond to future demands.

Key focus areas for EPW2 that are emerging from research and ongoing dialogue with countries and partners in the European Region include:

  • tackling the surge of noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues
  • addressing demographic shifts such as ageing and migration
  • establishing health systems of the future
  • managing the health impacts of climate change
  • building health security.

These challenges can be faced head on by harnessing digital technology and innovation, propelling health systems to a new level of efficiency.

The development of EPW2 is also informed by the vision and priorities set out by the Regional Director. In this regard, WHO/Europe has launched a special initiative to address violence against women and girls, and is committed to elevating the role of primary health care to ensure that health care is accessible to all and provided in the community.

A collaborative process

Co-creation, joint accountability, alignment, and a balance between continuity and innovation are the basic principles guiding the development and delivery of EPW2. Member States co-own EPW2, and are shaping its priorities and outcomes.

Countries have nominated dedicated focal points to take part in this process.

Partners – including non-state actors, intergovernmental organizations and academia – have been actively engaged through a series of consultations, ensuring that their inputs are gathered and integrated.

EPW2 hearings

To inform the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2), WHO/Europe hosted a series of 5 online hearings in the first quarter of 2025. Open to all, the hearings sought to gather different perspectives and proposals on tackling the megatrends that will present the biggest challenges and opportunities for health until and beyond 2030 in the WHO European Region.

The 5 hearings brought together over 5000 experts, decision-makers, Member State and civil society representatives, as well as others with an interest in health. The insights from their discussions have been captured in a “Futures Paper” that will complement the EPW2 policy document.

Following an extensive review process by Member States, a final version of the EPW2 document will be considered for adoption by Member States at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in October 2025.

Although the public sessions have now ended, you can stay informed about the development of EPW2 by subscribing to WHO/Europe’s monthly news highlights.

More on the EPW2 hearings

Upcoming events

Event icon

  • Thirty-second Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe, fourth meeting to review the second draft of EPW2
    1 July 2025
  • Thirty-second Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe, fifth meeting to approve the finalized version of EPW2
    15 October 2025
  • 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe – EPW2 put to Member States for adoption
    28–30 October 2025

 

House highlights

Recordings of the hearings (playlist)

Building on the first European Programme of Work

EPW2 will build on the solid progress of the first European Programme of Work, 2020–2025, which has advanced health across 3 core priorities – moving towards universal health coverage, protecting against health emergencies, and promoting health and well-being. This has been complemented by 4 flagship initiatives: the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition, Empowerment through Digital Health, the European Immunization Agenda 2030, and Healthier behaviours: incorporating behavioural and cultural insights.

An independent evaluation of the first European Programme of Work is taking place to understand how it has addressed key challenges, including health inequities, ageing populations and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will highlight lessons from successes and identify areas for improvement, to inform the development of EPW2.

The “Country impact report”, showcasing examples of collaboration from all 53 countries of the WHO European Region, provides further insights into how WHO/Europe has advanced health through delivering the first European Programme of Work.

For further information, please contact