The global health landscape is undergoing a significant structural shift. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, European development cooperation has moved away from traditional donor-recipient models, focusing instead on a strategic approach centered on health sovereignty. Guided by the EU Global Health Strategy and the Global Gateway, the emphasis is now on long-term investments in local manufacturing, regulatory harmonization, and resilient health systems. At the same time, African nations are championing a New Public Health Order that demands local control over medical countermeasures and health data. Balancing these domestic and international priorities is becoming increasingly complex, particularly as development budgets tighten and traditional global champions disengage.
To address these pressing dynamics, we hosted a webinar on 20 May 2026, titled “Sovereignty vs. Solidarity? Reforming Global Health Architecture Amidst Eroding Multilateralism”.
The session, introduced by our Director Iliana Olivié and moderated by Daniele Fattibene, brought together experts Tom Hart (ODI Global), Marianna Lunardini (Istituto Affari Internazionali), and Karim Karaki (ECDPM). The panel explored how European countries are prioritising sectors like pandemic preparedness, One Health, and digital health. Participants also discussed the practicalities of aligning national budgets with broader EU strategies and mapped out opportunities for future joint research projects, specifically looking at how to engage effectively with funders and partners in the Global South.
Featured image source: EC Audiovisual Centre @ 2025
