The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) is grappling with serious funding challenges, as highlighted during the third session of the 32nd Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe, held on March 19–20, 2025.

At the heart of the meeting was concern over the decline in flexible thematic funding and the office’s heavy reliance on highly specified voluntary contributions. The committee expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and high-quality work of WHO/Europe's staff — including those in geographically dispersed offices, subregional hubs, and country offices — despite these financial constraints.

The committee also raised concerns about the sustainability and predictability of funding, which could potentially impact the essential work of WHO/Europe across key program areas. It acknowledged the office's efforts to address these financial hurdles through immediate cost containment, focused resource mobilization, and strategic reprioritization, paving the way for the second European Programme of Work (EPW2), set for 2026–2030.

The committee extended its full support to WHO Regional Director for Europe, recognizing his leadership in reimagining the organization for the future. It praised his commitment to a robust strategic realignment process aimed at defining core functions and the necessary workforce required to deliver on EPW2 priorities in an increasingly challenging financial environment.

Emphasizing the organization’s constitutional role as the global leader in international health work, the committee also noted the success of the first European Programme of Work (2020–2025) in advancing public health outcomes in the region.

In response to these challenges, the committee called upon Member States to enhance their support for WHO/Europe by:

backing the proposed increase in assessed contributions at the upcoming Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly,

making additional voluntary contributions as part of the WHO Investment Round, and

demonstrating flexibility in the use of available specified funding, including through immediate reprogramming where possible.

The Regional Office has been urged to continue its communication efforts, ensuring all Member States remain fully informed and engaged in addressing the funding situation. The office has also been tasked with implementing a dual-track approach to resource mobilization — safeguarding core operations through reprogramming while actively seeking new funding opportunities.

As part of its strategic realignment, WHO/Europe will identify new organizational designs, collaboration models, and workforce structures necessary for future success. The committee stressed the importance of engaging Member States in the EPW2 prioritization process and ensuring alignment with the upcoming global Programme Budget 2026–2027.

Finally, in recognition of the pressures placed on the organization’s staff during this period of uncertainty, the committee urged WHO/Europe to support staff mental health and well-being through counseling and other support mechanisms.

The call for action highlights a pivotal moment for WHO/Europe, as it works to secure stable and predictable financing to continue its mission of promoting health and well-being across the European Region — ensuring no one is left behind.