From climate change to antimicrobial resistance, Europe is facing increasingly complex and interconnected threats to health and well-being. The One Health approach recognises that protecting people, animals, plants and ecosystems requires collaboration across sectors, disciplines and institutions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are working together to ensure that scientific advice and publications by EU agencies is increasingly integrated and aligned with the One Health approach. Read more here.
EDITORIAL
Let’s keep in touch, says Ivo Claassen, Deputy Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
It is a fitting message for a newsletter designed to strengthen connections across the five One Health agencies and their wider communities.
As outgoing Chair of the Cross-Agency One Health Task Force, Ivo reflects on a brief but rewarding experience that demonstrated the value of working across disciplines, sectors and institutions.
The same spirit was evident during a recent staff exchange at EMA, where colleagues from EFSA and ECDC explored new opportunities for collaboration through open dialogue and shared learning.
In this second edition, we bring you updates on a range of One Health initiatives, including EU–Africa cooperation on antimicrobial resistance and workforce development, efforts to protect Europe's waters, veterinary antibiotic dosing, avian influenza, and progress towards alternatives to animal testing. We also look at emerging evidence linking environmental pollution and mental health, persistent inequalities in exposure to air pollution, and the growing risks posed by vector-borne diseases in a changing climate. In addition, we highlight joint activities at the One Health Summit and share key findings from the interim report on the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPA).
Finally, we invite you to join us in Lisbon this September for the World One Health Congress, an important opportunity to continue building connections across organisations, disciplines and sectors.
SPOTLIGHT
Preliminary findings from the first cycle of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments – Interim report
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessments (PHEPA) interim report summarises the findings of the first 15 ECDC country reports. Four capacities were assessed in depth: Laboratory, Surveillance, Health Emergency Management and Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections. In addition, most countries requested the in-depth assessment of “Zoonotic diseases and threats of environmental origin, including those due to the climate”.
Webinar “The three-dimensional One Health model in the prevention of avian influenza”
The One Health Avian Influenza webinar (8 May) brought together around 250 online participants to explore integrated approaches to prevention. EFSA contributed actively, with Stef Bronzwaer representing the One Health Task Force. Experts from WHO, EFSA and partners highlighted the importance of proactive prevention, integrated surveillance and cross-sector collaboration in tackling avian influenza challenges.
ECHA to play a key role in protecting Europe's waters from chemical pollution
The updated EU water protection framework strengthens the protection of Europe’s waters – including rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. It introduces new scientific tasks for ECHA. It also assigns new scientific responsibilities to ECHA, reinforcing cooperation with EU agencies and Member States to support effective implementation and environmental protection.
New insights into vector-borne diseases and climate change
Climate change is increasing the risk of vector-borne and waterborne diseases across Europe. Explore the updated EEA webpage on vector-borne diseases, developed jointly with ECDC, which highlights how changing environmental conditions are affecting public health.
Advancing alternatives to animal testing through a new collaborative platform
ECHA's latest report shows that alternatives to animal testing are already well established under REACH. To support the implementation of the EU roadmap for alternatives to animal testing, ECHA is launching a Collaborative Platform to advance the development, validation and regulatory uptake of non-animal approaches in chemical safety assessment.
Growing evidence suggests that environmental pollution may affect not only physical health but also mental well-being. A new EEA briefing reviews the links between air, noise and chemical pollution and mental health, while also highlighting opportunities for action, including the benefits of nature-based solutions on mental well-being.
New research priorities to strengthen chemical safety
In its updated Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge report, ECHA calls for targeted research to address gaps in environmental risk assessment and support evidence-based policymaking across the EU. With this update, the report’s key areas are expanded to further tackle pollution and biodiversity loss, to enable valuating environmental impacts and to cover safe innovation and circularity.
ADRA project supports the responsible use of veterinary antibiotics
EMA's CVMP launched the ADRA project to review and refine dosage regimens for established veterinary antibiotics using non experimental methods. It also assesses how any dosage changes might affect withdrawal periods, target animal safety, and environmental risks, without requiring new data generation. The ADRA project aims to reduce antimicrobial resistance in the EU and keep first-line antibiotics available, safe, and efficacious.
Exploring environmental inequalities within European cities
While air quality has improved across Europe, the benefits are not shared equally. New EEA analysis shows that within our cities there is evidence that some groups, such as the elderly, can be exposed to higher levels of air pollution, raising important questions about unequal impacts and health equity.
Strengthening Europe's preparedness against mosquito-borne diseases
On 10 June 2026, EU agencies met with representatives from EU/EEA Member States, the European Commission, international public health organisations, and research institutions to discuss the growing impact of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. Driven by climate and socio-economic changes, these diseases are becoming an increasing public health concern. Speakers highlighted the need for strong European cooperation, coordinated surveillance and response, rapid information sharing, and innovative prevention measures.
Fighting AMR and strengthening One Health Workforce in Africa
Building on the existing partnership in preparedness, surveillance, and workforce development, this five-year action (2026-2030) has been launched under the Team Europe Initiative. Technical exchange with Africa CDC aims to reinforce the resilience of public health systems, implementing the One Health approach.
Healthy plants, healthy future: EFSA launches the 2026 #PlantHealth4Life campaign
EFSA has launched the 2026 edition of the PlantHealth4Life campaign, the final year of this EU-wide initiative carried out in partnership with the European Commission and countries across Europe. The campaign highlights the strong link between plant health, food systems, biodiversity and the environment, encouraging citizens to take simple actions to help protect plants and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
One Health Summit, better health for all life and the planet
EFSA played a key role at the One Health Summit in Lyon (5–7 April 2026), contributing high-level scientific expertise to global discussions. Chief Scientist Carlos Das Neves led a flagship session on environment and food systems, highlighting EFSA’s commitment to integrated One Health action and reinforcing its leadership in advancing sustainable, science-based solutions.
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