EU Commission presents new strategy to strengthen global health resilience

The European Commission has presented a new strategy to strengthen global health resilience in its communication “Reinforcing global health resilience amidst geopolitical change”. The aim is to make health systems worldwide more crisis-resilient, to diversify supply chains for medicines and vaccines, and to expand international cooperation on pandemic preparedness, research and health data. The initiative is part of the European health and security strategy and is also intended to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness.

The EU is thus responding to increasing geopolitical tensions, declining international health funding and growing risks posed by pandemics, antibiotic resistance, disinformation and fragile health systems. According to the European Commission, global health expenditure has fallen by around 21 per cent in real terms between 2024 and 2025. At the same time, cross-border health threats are increasing significantly.

Five priorities and nine flagship initiatives

The strategy brings together European measures across five key areas of action. These include:

• the reform and improved coordination of the global health architecture,
• support for resilient national health systems,
• the strengthening of pandemic prevention and crisis response,
• the diversification of global supply chains for health products,
• and the fight against health disinformation and misinformation.

A total of nine so-called “flagship initiatives” are planned, set to launch between 2026 and 2027. These include, among other things, new European hubs for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, international networks for disease surveillance, and investments in production capacities for medicines and medical technologies in partner countries.

Focus on health data, research and innovation

A key priority is the use of digital technologies and health data. The EU refers here to the European Health Data Space and to AI-supported systems for the early detection of disease outbreaks. In addition, international research collaborations and clinical trials are to be expanded.

The fight against health disinformation and so-called Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) also plays a central role. The Commission aims to strengthen access to scientific databases and genomic data, as well as to promote international cooperation in the field of science communication.

Europe is committed to partnerships and global cooperation

In the communication, the EU emphasises its role as a reliable partner in global health cooperation. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation with African institutions, international organisations such as the WHO, and investments through the Global Gateway strategy. In addition, European companies are to be supported in building resilient supply chains and production capacities.

This opens up new opportunities for research institutions, companies and stakeholders in the health and life sciences sectors to engage in international cooperation, access funding opportunities and participate in European innovation initiatives.

Contact at BayFOR

Dr. Mikhail Antonkin
Scientific Officer Health Research & Biotechnology
Phone: +49 911 50715-950
Email: antonkin@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org