The Next EU Instrument for International Cooperation: An Opportunity for Healthy Futures

The European Union (EU) is at a critical juncture facing multiple global crises. Escalating conflicts, democratic backsliding, climate emergency, persistent gender inequality, pandemics, and rising poverty are impacting not only fragile regions but also Europe’s own societies, exposing our collective vulnerability. Our global systems are flawed: we are not adequately prepared to withstand or prevent such crises, and failed to invest in community preparedness. Reactive, ad-hoc measures offer temporary relief, but they do not solve underlying problems.