EU Health Task Force Partner Forum and Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network regional meeting conclude in Stockholm

The two-day EUHTF Partner Forum, held on 2–3 December, convened operational contact points, subject-matter experts, and institutional partners to review and discuss the EUHTF’s scope of work, support mechanisms, and operational activities undertaken in 2025. 

Participants discussed recent EUHTF assignments, including support to EU/EEA countries following Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPA). These assessments are part of ECDC’s expanded mandate and evaluate countries’ readiness to manage public-health emergencies, with the EUHTF providing technical support to follow up on the recommendations . 

Thomas Hofmann, Head of Section Emergency Preparedness and Response at ECDC, said: 'The meeting highlighted how the EUHTF enhances ECDC’s capacity to mobilise EU expertise, tailored to the specific needs requested. We at the EUHTF will continue to strengthen our partnerships within the EU and beyond, to ensure that we are well-prepared to effectively support preparedness and response to health threats.'

The meeting also provided an opportunity to network and showcase collaboration with key partners, including the European Commission’s Directorates-General (SANTE, INTPA, ECHO, HERA), WHO, GOARN and Africa CDC.

A dedicated session focused on strengthening EUHTF expert pools, communities of practice, and training initiatives. Participants outlined workforce capacity needs and identified actions to further enhance the readiness and scalability of expertise across the EU/EEA. The Forum also reviewed progress on communication and awareness-raising efforts with EU/EEA countries, helping establish clearer priorities for engagement in 2026.

GOARN Global Meeting of Partners - EURO Regional Session

On 3–4 December, ECDC, together with WHO EURO and the WHO Collaborating Centre GOARN also hosted the GOARN Global Meeting of Partners – EURO Regional Session at the Robert Koch Institute, bringing together regional members of GOARN. Partners shared updates on their activities over the past year, welcomed new organisations into the network, and discussed regional priorities for strengthening outbreak alert and response capacity. 

The meeting further considered roles, responsibilities, and contributions from partners across the WHO European region, with a strong focus on aligning future work with the GOARN 2022–26 strategy.

Across both meetings, participants emphasised the importance of coordinated action, shared expertise, and strong partnerships in addressing future cross-border health threats.

Discussions concluded with agreement on priority areas for collaboration in 2026, including enhanced operational readiness, strengthened communication channels, and expanded regional engagement.

ECDC welcomed the active participation and contributions of all partners and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting EU/EEA countries and global partners in improving preparedness and response capacity across the European region and beyond.