WHO RC75 - EU Statement - Item 7 – Governance and Partnerships Matters

Chair,

Regional Director,

Excellencies,

Colleagues,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the EU and its 27 Member States.

We thank the Regional Director for presenting the 2025 Accountability Report. We commend this comprehensive exercise, which continues to set a standard for higher accountability and transparency: these values are central to our collective work. We strongly support the continuation of this reporting and underscore the importance of maintaining a high standard of accountability and due diligence, especially in challenging times like these.

We particularly welcome the emphasis on making WHO EURO a model workplace. Staff, at all levels, are the backbone of this Organization, and their well-being must remain a top priority, especially in times of restructuring and financial uncertainty.

We are fully aware that the current situation has a profound impact on staff. Please be assured of our continued support and consideration for all WHO workers during these difficult times.

The progress made in fostering a respectful working environment is highly valued and should be sustained. We also appreciate the continuous commitment to further strengthen the Prevention and Response to Sexual exploitation, abuse harassment, and violence, including through improved due diligence with WHO EURO’s implementing partners.

We thank the Regional Director for promptly addressing the financial shortfall. Measures taken to right-size the Organization, while simultaneously engaging Member States, non-State actors, collaborating centres, and networks, demonstrate a balanced and pragmatic approach. These partnerships are vital in softening the impact of reduced resources and ensuring continuity of core functions.

The report makes clear that new forms of engagement with Member States are needed. We welcome the first steps outlined, including efforts to better demonstrate WHO’s added value to our residents and thereby strengthen public trust, especially in the context of growing dis- and misinformation challenges. This narrative is essential for the sustainability and legitimacy of our shared mission. We look forward to the next steps.

We appreciate the commitment to participatory governance. The active role of Executive Board and SCRC members has been instrumental, and we would welcome more timely, mid-year updates on their work to the wider membership.

However, we still lack sufficient clarity on WHO’s overall priorities and how they relate to those of other global health organizations. The upcoming months will be crucial to resolving this.

As the global health landscape continues to evolve, it remains vital to support WHO as the cornerstone of the global health architecture. The WHO’s mandate in international health, in line with its Constitution, especially Art. 2a, is crucial and should be fully reflected in the work and decisions of its Governing Bodies. 

In conclusion, the EU and its Member States reaffirm our support for the Regional Director and WHO/Europe. We stand ready to work together to safeguard accountability, strengthen trust, and ensure a resilient Organization that delivers for all people in our Region.

I thank you.