The European Commission (EC) is the executive body of the European Union (EU) responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the European Union. Commissioners swear an oath at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, pledging to respect the treaties and to be completely independent in carrying out their duties during their mandate.
WHO and the European Commission (EC) concluded an exchange of letters in 2000 to consolidate and intensify cooperation, outlining the objectives, priorities and areas of cooperation, as well as the procedures, activities and practical arrangements for its implementation. In 2003 the Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) was signed between the European Commission and the United Nations, which eased the administrative differences between them and facilitated future collaboration.
Accordingly, the EC and WHO agree to strengthen their joint engagement in six priority areas:
innovation and health;
health security;
modernizing and integrating the public health information system;
health inequalities;
health systems strengthening; and
chronic diseases.
At the political level, there are regular high-level meetings between the Regional Director and European Commissioners. Meetings between senior officials at the technical level take place at least once a year, ensuring continued discussion and progress. Such Senior Official’s Meetings (SOM) review the cooperation and set specific actions, concrete deliverables, and produce deadlines for completing them.
