The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary on November 4, 2025, with a special event in Stockholm. This milestone marks two decades of progress in public health across Europe. The event brings together a diverse group of experts, including EU officials, healthcare professionals, and international partners, to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future of health security in Europe.
ECDC's journey began in 2005, following the SARS outbreak, with a mission to address infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and healthcare-related infections. Over the years, the organization has evolved to play a crucial role in risk assessment, epidemic response coordination, and surveillance for EU countries. The recent COVID-19 pandemic further solidified ECDC's importance, leading to an expanded mandate focused on crisis preparedness and direct support to EU nations.
ECDC Director, Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, emphasizes the significance of health security in Europe's future, stating, 'Investing in public health is a powerful tool for saving lives, strengthening economies, and fostering trust within our societies.' This sentiment is echoed by the diverse speakers at the event, who will discuss the evolving landscape of public health and ECDC's role in it.
The event's speakers include:
- Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
- Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management
- Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health, Sweden
- Petter Iversen, Brigadier General and Chair of the NATO Committee of Chiefs of Military Medical Services
- Marion Koopmans, Professor and Scientific Director of the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Centre at Erasmus Medical Centre
- Henrik Ullum, Professor and CEO of Statens Serum Institut, Denmark
Looking ahead, Dr. Rendi-Wagner highlights the changing landscape of public health, stating, 'The next 20 years will demand even more collaboration, innovation, and resilience from all of us to prepare for future health emergencies and ensure the safety of 450 million people in Europe.'
The event in Stockholm will be a significant gathering, with over 450 guests in attendance. A recording of the event will be made available on the ECDC website for those who cannot attend.
For more information and to stay updated on ECDC's work, visit the ECDC website and follow their social media channels.
