Event highlights
The second European Programme of Work (EPW2) is a strategic and operational framework to guide Member States and WHO/Europe’s work on health in 2026–2030. EPW2 is being developed together with countries, with contributions from health actors, governments, civil society organizations, academia, development partners, youth groups, the private sector and others, to ensure that the framework truly reflects key health issues across the diverse European Region.
As part of the extensive co-creation process, Member States have taken part in individual country consultations in recent weeks to identify shared health priorities and mutual objectives. Information gathered during the consultations ensures that regional priorities included in the draft EPW2 document reflect countries’ own individual health challenges.
Over 30 countries in the Region have organized national-level consultations. WHO country offices and counterparts from the Regional Office coordinated with representatives from national health authorities to find a suitable format for the discussions, to maximize opportunities for discussion and interaction among participants.
Interactive EPW2 workshop in North Macedonia
North Macedonia held an interactive workshop on 11 March, allowing participants to take part in presentations, plenary discussions and prioritization exercises, ensuring broad participation from diverse stakeholders and facilitating structured input and open discussion.
Participants discussed 6 priority areas and noted that the discussion had helped to bring clarity on prioritizing actions for the country’s health system. The workshop format fostered active participation, and feedback indicated that knowing that their input is directly influencing EPW2 made participants more engaged in the process.
“Being part of the EPW2 consultation process had a profound impact on how I approached the national consultation for the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS),” reported Biljana Celevska, national focal point for EPW2 and CCS, Ministry of Health, North Macedonia. “It not only gave me a clearer perspective on our health priorities but also personally motivated me to focus on aligning our efforts with broader Regional goals, making my engagement more purposeful and deeply connected to our national context.”
Akeem Ali, WHO Representative in North Macedonia underlined the importance of aligning EPW2 with country priorities: “The EPW2 consultation was important in ensuring that North Macedonia’s specific health needs are considered within the broader Regional health agenda. By aligning the country’s needs and priorities and Regional goals, we are making sure that the country’s health system is supported in a way that is both relevant and achievable within EPW2”.
Targeted dialogues in the Republic of Moldova
EPW2 was discussed in a series of targeted dialogues with key stakeholders in the Republic of Moldova, taking place in January–April. The WHO Country Office worked closely with the national focal point, Ministry of Health State Secretary, Angela Paraschiv, to ensure alignment with national priorities. Two government ministers, Alexei Buzu and Ala Nemerenco participated in the EPW2 hearings, and online briefings were held with representatives from different government ministries and public health institutions.
Participants reported that they felt a stronger sense of ownership and alignment with the EPW2 vision after these briefings.
“In a time of threats and outbreaks, health security is no longer only the territory of health systems – it is a matter of national and regional stability,” explained Ion Vaculin, Director of the Medical Service for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “We have learned so much from both the COVID-19 pandemic and war in neighbouring Ukraine. We are committed to reinforcing our collaboration with WHO, fostering cross-border coordination and ensuring our preparedness framework can rapidly support national health efforts and respond to potential public health emergencies.”
Hybrid consultation in Albania
Albania opted for a hybrid format, with two online interactive segments followed by a face-to-face meeting, held on 18 March. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection issued invitations, and the meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, Entela Ramosaçaj, who is the nominated EPW focal point for Albania. This ensured representation at the highest level from key national stakeholders and health institutions. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and Institute of Public Health, academics and other public health leaders, and technical experts.
Rich discussion and positive follow-up comments demonstrated higher engagement following the EPW2 consultations. “The greater the challenges, the steeper the obstacles and the deeper the pitfalls of pseudo-science, the clearer it becomes that organizations like WHO are essential – and that urgent, transformative change is needed to better serve humanity. EPW2 paves the way for transformation, driven by ambition and a common purpose grounded in our shared values,” noted Gazmend Bejtja, Officer in Charge, WHO Country Office in Albania.
In-person meeting in Latvia
Latvia opted for an in-person meeting attended by 50 representatives from government ministries, institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academia, health associations and university hospitals, held on 14 April. Participants reported that they were pleased to be able to provide inputs to the future agenda for the Region. The consultation also deepened the relationship with the WHO Country Office, as several institutions invited WHO to give subsequent presentations on health-related topics.
Health security as part of national security was identified as the priority topic, particularly regarding tackling disinformation. Latvia was able to collectively agree action points from all the main topics, pinpointing areas where WHO support is needed. Participants worked in small groups and used design thinking methods to facilitate discussions, which participants reported as being interactive and engaging.
Karina Zalite, WHO Liaison Officer in Latvia gave her perspective on the consultations: “I am very proud that Latvia participated in the development of our compass for health and well-being for 2026–2030. Yes, Latvia is a small country, but people are very committed to change and to building a better future, with better health for everyone”.
Inter-Ministry Working Group in Belgium
The Belgium Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment convened an Inter-Ministry Working Group on 12 May, with the aim of setting priorities for a new CCS for 2026–2030 within the context of EPW2. With representatives from regional government and federal ministries attending, WHO/Europe presented the priorities outlined in the first draft of EPW2. Further consultation meetings are planned with NGOs and WHO collaborating centres, fostering dialogue to identify strategic priorities that not only align with Belgium’s national health agenda but also reinforce the priorities of EPW2.
Reviewing and finalizing EPW2
The insights gathered during the country consultations, together with formal written feedback from Member States is informing the next version of the EPW2 document. This version will undergo further review by countries over the summer.
A final draft EPW2 document will be put to Member States for adoption at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in October 2025.