Bad Hofgastein, Austria, 28 September–2 October 2026 – The South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) is taking part in the 2026 Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) and the 29th European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), continuing its work to support stronger health systems, better preparedness and cooperation across the region.
SEEHN is represented by Dr Svetlana Nicolaescu, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova and member of the SEEHN Executive Committee, and Prof. Dr Milena Vasic, Head of the Department for Scientific Research and Project Coordination at the Institute of Public Health of Serbia.
Organised by the European Health Forum Gastein together with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the 2026 Capacity Building Initiative focuses on a question that has become increasingly important for health systems across Europe: how to be better prepared for future crises. Participants are looking at practical challenges in governance, financing, the health workforce and service delivery, while discussing lessons from COVID-19 and other crises and how these can be reflected in national preparedness planning.
These discussions are closely linked to this year’s European Health Forum Gastein theme, “Health for a stronger European Union – high time for action!” The programme looks at preparedness not only as a health issue, but also as an important part of Europe’s security, stability and cohesion. With health threats increasingly crossing national borders, cooperation between countries and institutions remains essential.
For the SEEHN representatives, the CBI and EHFG are also an opportunity to meet colleagues and public health experts from across Europe, share experiences from their own countries and discuss common challenges. The exchanges are intended to help translate lessons and experience into practical priorities for stronger preparedness and health security.
SEEHN’s participation builds on its cooperation with the European Health Forum Gastein, which has continued to provide opportunities for SEEHN Member States to take part in European health policy discussions and capacity-building activities. This year, EHFG made dedicated places available to SEEHN Member States, while the SEEHN Secretariat provided co-financing for participation in the CBI and the EHFG conference.
Participation in Gastein is part of SEEHN’s broader work to bring its Member States together, encourage the exchange of experience and strengthen links between the South-eastern European region and the wider European health community. The lessons and contacts developed through initiatives such as the CBI can support Member States as they work to build health systems that are better prepared for future challenges.
