WHO/Europe and the European Commission agree future common action in 5 key areas

Press note

Copenhagen, Denmark, 14 September 2020

WHO/Europe and the European Commission have issued a joint statement to boost their already strong partnership and adapt it to new health priorities and emerging challenges. The statement was presented today at the annual session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe to representatives from the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region.

The document calls for closer partnership between WHO/Europe and the European Commission in 5 priority areas of shared interest:

• health security against health emergencies and other threats
• effective, accessible, resilient and innovative health systems
• a comprehensive response to noncommunicable diseases with a focus on cancer
• sustainable food systems and health
• health cooperation with non-European Union countries in the WHO European Region.

A more concrete plan outlining projects and steps of cooperation will be developed in the coming months. Overall, the agreement aims at:

• fostering technical, policy and geographical synergies
• strengthening citizens’ voices and trust in health and food authorities
• maximizing support to countries.