Informal video conference of health ministers, 5 June 2026

Main results

EU health ministers took part in an informal video conference to discuss the recent outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus (BVD) in Central Africa.

Today’s meeting highlighted the value of European solidarity in the face of public health emergencies. By sharing expertise, preparedness measures and lessons learned, member states can strengthen our collective resilience and ensure a coordinated response to potential cross-border health threats, while also working to support the countries most affected by the outbreak.

Neophytos Charalambides, Minister for Health, Republic of Cyprus

Ministers provided their assessment of the current situation and reported on measures being taken or planned in their member states. They also expressed their support for further EU-level coordination to manage the situation effectively and support the response both in Europe and in the affected region, in line with guidance provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Representatives from the ECDC and the WHO, as well as from Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, also took part in the video conference.

Background

On 17 May 2026 the WHO declared the Ebola BVD outbreak in Central Africa a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations. The WHO is developing a Single Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan together with affected and neighbouring countries to strengthen preparedness, mitigation and outbreak management efforts.

At EU level, the ECDC is closely monitoring the situation and has assessed the infection risks in the EU/EEA as very low.  The ECDC is preparing scientific advice on infection prevention and control measures and assessing the likelihood of case importation into the EU/EEA. The EU's rapid response to serious cross-border health threats is coordinated by the EU Health Security Committee, chaired by the Commission.