WHO countries are working on agreement to manage future pandemics

The 194 member states of the World Health Organization unanimously agreed today to begin work on a new international agreement setting out how to manage the next global pandemic.

The countries adopted a resolution at a special meeting in Geneva, kicking off the process that is expected to lead to a new pandemic preparedness and response agreement that comes into effect in 2024. 

Meanwhile, the hypothesis of an extraordinary summit of EU leaders in videoconference on the Covid variant, Omicron, is disappearing.

According to European sources, after consultations and careful evaluation, the president of the European Council has decided not to convene an extraordinary videoconference of the heads of state and government.

The point will be discussed at the European Council, already scheduled, for 16 December.

The Covid situation and the Omicron variant will be at the center of the EU Health Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

In the meantime, the Member States are continuing to closely monitor the situation.