Geneva, 16 April 2025
The EU Commission welcomes the preliminary consensus on the Pandemic Agreement which was reached today, in Geneva, by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, underscoring the continuing strength of international cooperation and solidarity for global heath.
After three years of intensive negotiations the agreement reached marks a significant contribution to strengthening capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response taking a One Health approach. This is a decisive step toward a more equitable and proactive global approach to preventing and managing future pandemics, in full respect of the health policy responsibilities and competences of individual EU Member States.
The EU remains committed to working with all partners and stakeholders with a view to creating stronger, more resilient and more equitable global architecture for future pandemic preparedness and response.
Next step
The Pandemic Agreement is expected to be formally adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in May.
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The COVID-19 pandemic caused enormous suffering for our societies and economies and tested public health systems to the limit. Our collective and global response showed that decisive action, enhanced collaboration and international solidarity are the way forward. Today’s announcement is a major step towards stronger international cooperation. When adopted, this agreement can make a significant contribution to strengthening our capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and developing new medical countermeasures whenever necessary, including through a constructive role of the EU, in full respect of the health policy responsibilities and competences of individual EU Member States.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
Source – EU Commission