PBAC44 - EU statement - Item 3.2 – Financing, implementation and performance framework of the Programme budget 2026–2027
WHO
PBAC44
Item 3.2 – Financing, implementation and performance framework of the Programme budget 2026–2027
EU Statement
Chair,
Director-General,
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
I am delivering this statement on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Georgia as well the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
The EU thanks the Secretariat for the report and acknowledges the significant efforts undertaken to adapt the Programme Budget 2026–2027 to a challenging and evolving financial and organizational context.
We would like to highlight three key points.
First, we underline the importance of aligning priorities, resources, expected results and impact. In the current context, continued prioritization is essential to ensure that WHO’s work remains focused, efficient and responsive, particularly where funding gaps persist across outcomes and regions.
Second, we reaffirm the importance of sustainable, flexible and predictable financing. While progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring that available resources are adequately aligned with programme priorities. Addressing appropriate balances between flexible and earmarked funding is key to enabling a more equitable and strategic allocation of resources, including regional office and country-level financing. We fully realize and acknowledge that striking a balance between earmarked and flexible funding is also a responsibility of Member States. The EU supports all efforts to improve the sustainable financing of the WHO, including allowing for full cost recovery, in order to cover the remaining gap of 15% [SM(p1] of the current Programme Budget.
Third, we stress the importance of transparency, accountability and sound governance in the implementation of the Programme Budget. Strengthening the link between the Programme Budget, the General Programme of Work and Member States initiatives, as well as their financial implications, remains essential to support informed and responsible decision-making by Member States and governing bodies; and to ensure overall coherence.
In closing, the EU and its Member States remain firmly committed to supporting WHO in advancing a sustainable, reform-oriented and results-based Programme Budget at all three levels and stand ready to continue working with all partners in this regard.
Thank you.
- ^ North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.