Session 17

New threats, new responses

Strengthening Europe's preparedness for health security

Organised by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

At a time when resilience, security and strategic autonomy are central to Europe’s future, health security has become a defining test of European cooperation and action. Recent coordinated responses to health emergencies, including hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks, have demonstrated the value of the European Union’s strengthened post-COVID health security framework. They have also highlighted the need for sustained investment in Europe’s collective preparedness. Since the pandemic, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has expanded its capabilities through new tools such as the EU Health Task Force, EU Reference Laboratories, and a stronger international role. Building on the ECDC session at EHFG 2025, this discussion will examine how these tools are strengthening Europe’s preparedness and response capacity.

The session will address an increasingly complex health threat landscape and new threats to health, including emerging zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vector-borne diseases, biological threats, and the potential risks posed by bioengineered pathogens. It will also consider the impact of mis- and disinformation on public health and the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

Drawing on recent experiences and Member State perspectives, the discussion will explore how Europe can reinforce long-term preparedness, resilience, and strategic autonomy. It will examine how stronger cooperation, sustained commitment, and public trust can enhance Europe’s collective ability to anticipate and respond to new health threats in an increasingly unpredictable world. 

Speakers to be announced