In a landmark act of collaboration, all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region unanimously adopted the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2) at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC75). The new 5-year strategy is a bold, action-oriented roadmap to build healthier, fairer and more resilient societies across the Region by the end of the decade.
“This agreement is a moment of unity, ambition and accountability,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “It’s the European Region’s health compass in a turbulent era; a shared promise to protect people from crises, reduce inequalities, support our health workers, promote science and reimagine health systems for generations to come.”
The EPW2 represents a pioneering shift towards strategic partnerships and mutual accountability to deliver on the public health priorities of our time: health security, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, healthy ageing, climate change and health system transformation. It translates lessons learned from recent global and regional crises into a shared framework for stronger health systems.
Developed through the broadest consultation WHO/Europe has ever undertaken, the plan boldly prioritizes action over the coming 5 years in turbulent and uncertain geopolitical, economic and social times.
Standing firm on equity and justice, the Regional Director has also integrated 2 special initiatives to end violence against women and girls and to transform primary health care.
“No society can thrive when its people live in fear or lack access to care. The European Programme of Work is a testament to the commitment of all 53 Member States of Europe and central Asia to solidarity, science and impartiality in health,” Kluge remarked on the adoption of the new strategy.