Single Programming Document 2026−2028
This Single Programming Document 2026–2028 sets the course for a science-driven independent modern, agile, and science-driven ECDC – one that is ready to anticipate and respond to future health threats, and foster smart collaboration to safeguard the health of Europe’s citizens. Now more than ever, Europe needs to rely on its own strength and scientific capacities – we can only do this together.
The period 2026–2028 marks a moment of transition for ECDC. Building on the foundations laid over the past 20 years, this Single Programming Document reflects both continuity and renewal – a strategic readjustment to ensure that ECDC fully delivers on its strengthened mandate and continues to move forward in a rapidly changing public health landscape.
During 2026–2028, ECDC will further strengthen the implementation of its strengthened mandate, bridging between two EU multi-annual financial framework cycles, offering a crucial opportunity to deepen our collaboration with the European Commission, Member States, other EU agencies and international partners in pursuit of a resilient European Health Union.
A central focus will be the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections, and the advancement of the One Health approach that recognises the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health. By strengthening cross-sectorial coordination, ECDC will work closely with other EU agencies to translate this integrated vision into practice. The Centre will also continue to support preparedness for health impacts driven by climate change, through strengthened surveillance of food-, water- and vector-borne diseases.
Ensuring equitable and effective vaccination and prevention programmes will remain a core priority. ECDC will strengthen the monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and coverage, promote life-course immunisation strategies, and contribute to halting the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
ECDC will also continue to invest in the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections by ensuring that surveillance remains a source for public health decision-making, as well as continuing to support Member States and the European Commission in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of HIV, TB and hepatitis.
To enhance preparedness and emergency response, ECDC will complete the first cycle of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPA) and initiate the next, incorporating lessons learned to further build capacity and resilience in Member States. The EU Health Task Force will continue to be a key operational instrument, enabling timely deployment of expertise and resources to support preparedness and response on the ground within and beyond the EU/EEA.
Digital transformation will underpin much of this progress. The Centre will continue to support the modernisation of EU-level surveillance and laboratory systems, coordinate the implementation of surveillance from electronic health records, building towards a harmonised process of developing disease-specific surveillance standards.
At the same time, ECDC will work to strengthen trust in public health institutions and science through timely and clear communication, open data, and behavioural and social science insights. Strengthening the public health workforce through training and fellowship programmes will remain essential for sustaining expertise and building future capacity across Europe.
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