Summary:
The European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare (EUP AH&W or EUPAHW) is a research and innovation initiative funded by the European Commission (EC) to combat infectious animal diseases and promote animal welfare. It is a European partnership bringing together researchers and funding bodies to improve animal health and welfare across Europe.
Launched in 2024, this ambitious partnership is expected to invest €360 million over a seven-year period to accelerate research and facilitate collaboration among all relevant stakeholders. Its scope extends beyond the traditional animal health and welfare community to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation and deliver societal impact through a One Health and One Welfare approach. The objectives of EUP AH&W are aligned with the European Green Deal and the related Farm to Fork Strategy, supporting the development of a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable food system.
EUP AH&W brings together 56 research-performing organizations and 30 funding organizations from across Europe. The budget is co-financed, with 50% provided through the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and 50% contributed by EUP AH&W partner institutions and organizations.
To date, the partnership has united 90 organizations (research institutes, funding agencies, ministries, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA)) from 24 countries (19 EU Member States and 5 countries associated with Horizon Europe). The partnership is built on a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), developed over two years with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders. The SRIA balances both short-term applied research and longer-term strategic research priorities.
The partnership addresses infectious diseases affecting both terrestrial and aquatic animals, as well as zoonotic risks such as avian influenza, alongside research aimed at improving animal welfare. It also focuses on the prudent use of antimicrobials and on ensuring a high standard of animal welfare throughout every stage of an animal’s life.
EUP AH&W includes 17 internally implemented three-year research projects launched in 2024. In addition, the partnership plans to launch competitive research calls that will engage research organizations beyond the partnership itself. Funding bodies not yet involved in the partnership will also be able to participate in these calls.
Objectives:
EUP AH&W aims to provide society with sustainable production systems in which infectious animal diseases are prevented and controlled, antimicrobials are used responsibly, and animal welfare standards remain high throughout all stages of animals’ lives. The partnership’s objectives are closely aligned with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, contributing to a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable food system.
Keywords:
EUPAHW
Finnish Food Authority Project Manager:
Tuija Gadd
Project Status:
Ongoing
Start Year:
2024
End Year:
2030
Funding:
EUPAHW, Horizon Europe (HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01)
