Second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2)

Second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2)

logo for the second European Programme of Work, WHO/EuropeImagine a European Region where people and communities live healthier, longer lives, and where health is safeguarded as a universal commitment, never politicized, always prioritized.

This is the vision that drives the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2). It is what WHO/Europe and Member States have determined to do over 5 years, in response to the defining public health challenges of our time.

EPW2 has 3 parts:

  1. The health compass: a shared vision and collective agenda for health in the WHO European Region.
  2. WHO/Europe’s work programme: a focused set of priorities and actions that WHO/Europe will deliver with and for Member States in 2026–2030. For the first time, every action is classified: critical, resource contingent or supportive. It comprises 5 priorities, and 2 special initiatives.
  3. Actions to future-proof WHO/Europe: the organizational shifts needed to ensure WHO/Europe remains trusted, focused, responsive and accountable.

EPW2 builds on the first European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health”, and contributes to global health initiatives, including WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Following an extensive consultation process, EPW2 was adopted unanimously in October 2025 by all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.





The WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge reporeted on the work of the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) since the last session of the Regional Committee.

"Together, let us ensure WHO/Europe remains your partner of choice – delivering the highest standards of service, grounded in science, accountable for results, unwavering in our mission: healthier lives, and greater well-being, for all people across our region."

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



The health compass: a collective action agenda

Three generations of people are outdoors, a child is riding a bicycle

People’s health is being reshaped by powerful and interconnected megatrends – from geopolitical instability and climate change to demographic shifts, rising rates of chronic conditions and rapid technological transformation.

These trends are redefining the risks we face, the needs of our communities and the capacities that health systems must have to stay relevant and effective.

Security, solidarity, sustainability and trust are the values underpinning the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2), necessary when facing disruption without losing direction.

EPW2’s health compass identifies the transformational shifts that countries must make to build a safe and secure Region, address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges, promote health and well-being throughout life, tackle the impacts of climate change, leverage data and technology, and strengthen health systems.

The overarching vision of EPW2 is that people live healthier, longer lives, with health safeguarded as a universal commitment.

WHO/Europe’s work programme: 5 priority areas

Three generations reading a book on the couch

WHO/Europe’s actions until 2030 are organized under 5 priorities. They are designed to support Member States in achieving shared goals, in line with their national strategies for health and development.

These priority areas are:

  • maximizing health security: strengthening preparedness, detection and rapid response to crises to safeguard societies and economies;
  • tackling NCDs and shaping health drivers: strengthening cross-sectoral action on social, economic and environmental determinants, and the influence of commercial and digital factors;
  • living and ageing in good physical and mental health: promoting health and well-being and preventing diseases at all ages, ensuring longer lives are healthier, more active and dignified;
  • driving climate health action: protecting populations from environmental risks and making health systems environmentally sustainable; and
  • shaping future health systems: leveraging innovation and technology to create fair, efficient and resilient care systems.

Special initiatives

Two special cross-cutting initiatives enhance the impact of the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2).

The first initiative strives to ensure that the health sector is equipped to respond to the epidemic of violence against women and girls.

The second initiative positions primary health care as platform for health system transformation.

Actions to future-proof WHO/Europe

Two children wearing helmets smile at each other while riding bikes

The third part of the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2) sets out how WHO/Europe can deliver its priorities.

WHO/Europe is committed to ensuring that EPW2 is implemented within limited resources: by returning to WHO’s core mandate – focusing on what only WHO can do to safeguard health; prioritizing critical activities; maximizing efficiency and curbing expenses; and mobilizing sustainable funding.

WHO gathers data to report on progress and bottlenecks in implementing EPW2, as a basis for dialogue with Member States on course correction.

WHO/Europe has renewed its focus on technical and operational excellence, accelerating artificial intelligence-driven improvements, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, establishing an independent scientific board, and contributing to setting the pan-European health research agenda.

Participatory governance and orienting activities to ensure they have an impact at country level remain guiding principles. The Standing Committee of the Regional Committee remains instrumental in ensuring that EPW2 is fully owned by its Member States.

Lastly, WHO/Europe strives to be a top employer of choice, recruiting and developing the best talent, taking account of cultural, gender and geographic diversity, and fostering a respectful and supportive working environment.