06/11/2020 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States approved on Friday 6 November, following a written procedure, conclusions (see EUROPE 12586/3) on the EU’s role in strengthening the World Health Organization (WHO). The text recognises the central role of WHO in addressing global health challenges such as Covid-19. It also makes several suggestions for strengthening WHO, including the review of the health emergency alert system. The findings also propose several improvements to the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR), such as greater transparency on national compliance with the IHR, and also suggest a distinction between travel restrictions and trade-related restrictions. These conclusions aim to define a common EU position at the next WHO Assembly in mid-November. See adopted text: https://bit.ly/32m2CPJ (MF)