From climate change to antimicrobial resistance, Europe is facing increasingly complex and frequent threats to health and well-being. The One Health approach recognises that these threats can only be addressed through multisectoral and transdisciplinary collaboration across the domains of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health.
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.
SPOTLIGHT
Time for action: A Joint Statement of the EU Cross-agency One Health Task Force and the European and Central Asia Quadripartite on One Health
On World One Health Day, nine international organisations called for action to advance the One Health approach in Europe. Representing the EU Cross‑agency One Health Task Force and the European and Central Asia Quadripartite, they highlight urgent risks intensified by climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and land‑use changes, as record heat, wildfires, disease spread and environmental disruptions increase threats to human, animal and ecosystem health.
Serious Listeria infections rising in Europe, EU report warns
Changing diets and an ageing population may be contributing to a rise in serious Listeria infections in Europe, according to the EU One Health Zoonoses Report from EFSA and ECDC. Thousands fall ill each year from contaminated food, with eggs, meat and ready‑to‑eat products common sources. Although food safety standards remain high, preventable foodborne diseases still affect all age groups, especially the most vulnerable.
Antimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacteria remains a public health concern in Europe
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter continues to be a public health concern across Europe, according to a new joint report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Nature-based solutions for fire-resilient European forests
This briefing outlines the potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to reduce fire risk and increase overall climate resilience across Europe’s forests. It is based on a review of forest management case studies across Europe and available literature, and is published in the context of the EU adaptation strategy and the forest strategy for 2030.
First reformulation of an inhaled medicine with environmentally friendly gas propellant
EMA has recommended a change in the composition of two products to replace the existing gas propellant with an alternative that has a lower global warming potential (GWP). The change aims to reduce the environmental impact of these products while maintaining their performance and therapeutic properties.
Antimicrobial resistance in surface waters — developing environmental monitoring for better risk management
The monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in surface waters is needed to assess the risks of transmission of resistance to humans, the EEA briefing 'Antimicrobial resistance in surface waters' says. With AMR in the environment now recognised as a key part of the EU’s One Health Action Plan, and new EU rules like the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requiring monitoring from 2030, countries need to establish monitoring programmes for this newly identified risk in water.
Microplastics: European Parliament requests scientific advice from EFSA
The European Parliament has requested EFSA to deliver a scientific opinion on the potential health risks posed by microplastics in food, water and air. Public interest in this issue has grown rapidly in recent years, yet major knowledge gaps remain – making this work both timely and relevant.
Fish and seafood consumption in the EU: awareness of dietary advice on mercury
New research explores how often EU consumers eat fish and seafood that may contain mercury, and how aware they are of national consumption advice. Surveying citizens before and after updates to guidance, the study examines species such as shark, swordfish and certain tuna, because they feed on smaller fish, so the mercury accumulates in them over their lifespan. The study also supports policymakers as they review regulatory limits and consider future updates to mercury risk assessments across the EU.
Putting One Health into practice through the EU’s One Substance, One Assessment legislative package
The EU’s One Substance, One Assessment (OSOA) framework will put the One Health principles into practice. It will improve chemical safety in a more integrated and holistic way, through strengthened inter-sectoral collaboration among the EU Agencies and Member States. The framework introduces tools and collaboration mechanisms which will support a more integrated approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating the impacts of chemicals.
ECDC launches Accession Support Action for EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries
ECDC launches new Accession Support Action for EU candidate countries to strengthen communicable disease capacities to implement EU acquis in surveillance, public health emergency preparedness, and advance One Health responses against antimicrobial resistance, 2026–2029.
Preventing cardiovascular disease through a healthy environment
This briefing provides information about how environmental factors contribute to cardiovascular disease in Europe. It also identifies how policies can help alleviate the problem. It is based on data compiled by the EEA and intends to inform discussions about the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.
ECHA ready to receive reports on microplastics emissions
The European Commission adopted a restriction on microplastics in 2023, based on the scientific opinions of the committees of ECHA. The measure bans the sale of microplastics and products that intentionally contain and release them during use. For permitted uses, companies must report microplastic releases annually through the IUCLID tool, with the first reporting deadline set for 31 May 2026 for manufacturers and industrial users.
Upcoming consultation on EU proposal to restrict PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals that can affect the health of people, animals and ecosystems. ECHA's scientific committees are currently working on a major restriction proposal for PFAS. The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis is expected to agree on its draft opinion on the socio-economic aspects of the proposed restriction in March 2026. Following this, a 60-day consultation will be launched to gather feedback from stakeholders on the potential impacts of the proposed restriction across different sectors.
EMA launched a video podcast entitled "Inside EMA", where viewers can meet scientists, regulators and other experts working to ensure that medicines for people and animals in the EU are safe, effective and of high quality. The first 4 episodes addressed antimicrobial resistance, emergency preparedness, medicine shortage and misinformation. The podcast is available on YouTube and other popular platforms.
E-learning course on “Multisectoral collaboration for the implementation of a One Health approach”
ECDC has launched a new e-learning course on “Multisectoral collaboration for the implementation of a One Health approach” through its Learning Portal. The course introduces the principles and practical aspects of collaboration across sectors to address communicable diseases from a One Health perspective, bringing together expertise from human health, animal health and environmental fields.
The ESUAvet surveillance reports track antimicrobial use in animals
The ESUAvet annual surveillance reports present antimicrobial sales and use data from EU/EEA countries. EMA centralises, analyses and publishes these data to monitor progress towards the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals. Sales data are publicly accessible through Power BI dashboards, enhancing transparency and supporting stakeholder understanding of trends in veterinary antimicrobial use across the EU.
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