In a historic show of unity, all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region have unanimously adopted the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2) during the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC75), held in Copenhagen from October 28 to 30. 

The new framework, described as a “health compass” for the next five years, sets out to guide the region toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling emerging health challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Under the theme “Back to Basics,” delegates discussed WHO/Europe’s strategic priorities, ongoing restructuring, and the organization’s efforts to maintain effectiveness amid financial constraints. Introducing the new programme, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said EPW2 was co-created through an unprecedented participatory process involving over 5,000 contributors, including all 53 Member States and hundreds of written submissions. 

“EPW2 reflects our collective vision for a healthier, more resilient Europe — one that leaves no one behind,” he said.

EPW2 outlines three major components — a shared vision, a prioritized work programme, and an organizational transformation plan to ensure WHO/Europe remains a trusted, responsive, and results-driven institution. Its core priorities include health security, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, healthy ageing, climate and environmental health, and future-ready health systems leveraging innovation and technology.

Complementing these goals are two special initiatives: a cross-cutting Primary Health Care Initiative to strengthen prevention and continuity of care, and a Special Initiative on Violence Against Women and Girls, which calls for prevention, care, and protection for survivors across the region.

During plenary discussions, over 35 Member States expressed resounding support for EPW2 and the WHO restructuring plan.

Representatives from the European Commission and the Council of Europe also welcomed the programme, while non-state actors emphasized the importance of mental health, workforce well-being, climate resilience, and palliative care. Responding to the interventions, Dr. Kluge noted, “It is heartening to see that your national priorities are reflected in EPW2 — from health security and climate action to mental health and resilient health systems.”

One of the key moments of RC75 was Dr. Kluge’s call to action to end violence against women and girls, highlighting the critical role of the health sector as often the first and only point of contact for survivors.

He urged leaders to publicly condemn violence, remove policy barriers, promote zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, and invest in survivor protection. A high-level panel representing Austria, Croatia, Iceland, Spain, and Tajikistan shared their national perspectives, and the initiative will advance through a follow-up meeting in Madrid on November 20–21, 2025.

The session also showcased a strong spirit of cooperation and solidarity, beginning with a moving musical performance by children from Goldschmidt’s Music Academy in Copenhagen.

The academy’s founder, Henrik Goldschmidt, said the choir’s goal was to unite children of different nationalities through the universal language of music — a fitting opening for a session centered on peace, equity, and collaboration.

In his keynote address, Dr. Kluge acknowledged the financial pressures facing WHO/Europe, stressing the importance of efficiency, accountability, and alignment with the UN80 Initiative. “Budgets are tight, and health workers are few, but crises have taught us to work fast and keep core health services alive,” he said.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, joined the session virtually from New York, urging Member States to strengthen collaboration, participate in negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement, and support WHO’s independence and sustainability.

RC75 also saw the adoption of several key health strategies shaping the region’s future. The Strategy on Child and Adolescent Health was approved by all Member States, emphasizing inclusive healthcare, early childhood development, protection from violence, and safe digital environments. Youth representatives played a pivotal role in shaping the strategy and will continue to guide its implementation.

Member States also endorsed the Strategy on Harnessing Innovation for Public Health (2025–2030), aimed at bridging the gap between innovation and implementation. It focuses on leveraging technology, governance reforms, and equitable access to innovations to strengthen health systems and tackle major challenges such as NCDs, mental health issues, and climate impacts.

In addition, the Healthy Ageing Strategy, built around the principle that “Ageing is Living,” received strong regional support. It calls for strengthening primary health care, long-term care systems, and inclusive environments that uphold dignity and connection for all generations. Delegates stressed that the vision must translate into actionable national policies as the world enters the second half of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Budgetary discussions highlighted WHO/Europe’s restructuring efforts and cost-saving measures. Delegates emphasized the need for predictable, multi-year funding and called for transparency, efficiency, and accountability to ensure public health gains remain measurable and sustainable.

Governance matters were also addressed, with Azerbaijan, Latvia, Malta, and Slovenia elected to the Standing Committee, while Georgia and the United Kingdom were nominated for seats on WHO’s Executive Board. WHO/Europe also accredited four new non-state actors, including the European Academy of Paediatrics and the European Specialist Nurses Organisation, signaling a stronger partnership with civil society in shaping regional health policies.

The session concluded with an air of optimism as delegates confirmed that the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC76) will convene again in Copenhagen from October 27–29, 2026. In his closing remarks, Dr. Kluge thanked participants for their collaboration, stating, “These three days remind us of what is possible when purpose meets partnership. EPW2 reflects our shared vision for health and well-being in Europe — a vision built on trust, joint responsibility, and the determination to turn strategy into action.”

With EPW2 now adopted, WHO/Europe enters a new phase — one defined by resilience, reform, and results-driven cooperation to ensure that every person across the region can live and age in good health.