Nearly 400 participants gathered in Bilbao and remotely at the first Annual Meeting of the Joint Action EU-JAMRAI 2, an unprecedented European effort to strengthen the response to one of the most pressing global health challenges: antimicrobial resistance.
The Basque Institute for Health Systems Research (Biosistemak) hosted the European Commission, policymakers, and scientific experts in Bilbao (Spain) on 12–13 March 2025 for the Annual Meeting of the second Joint Action on AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections (EU-JAMRAI 2). Building upon the success of EU-JAMRAI 1, this initiative aims to implement concrete measures to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat responsible of over 35,000 deaths annually in the EU/EEA alone and 1.3 million worldwide, while also causing losses in animal production equivalent to the food needs of 2 billion people.
With a total budget of 62.5 million euros, of which 50 million are funded by the European Commission through the EU4Health programme, EU-JAMRAI 2 was launched in February 2024, with a total duration of four years. Coordinated by Inserm (France), it brings together 128 partners from 30 countries, including EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and Ukraine. Recognising the urgency of a coordinated response, this collaborative effort is supported by European agencies, international organisations, professional societies, civil society and patients’ representatives. Together, they are working to reduce antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach, which acknowledges the deep interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment.
“By working together across sectors and borders – human, animal, and environmental health – we are not just reducing AMR but safeguarding the very foundation of modern medicine” stated EU-JAMRAI 2 coordinator Prof. Marie-Cécile Ploy when she welcomed the annual meeting participants.
A multidimensional approach to reduce AMR
This Annual Meeting, featuring presentations and discussions with experts from European and international organisations such as ECDC, EMA, EFSA, OECD, WHO, FAO, UNEP and WOAH, focused on the methodologies and the work developed during the first year of the project and the perspectives and plans for the next three years. The discussions addressed key priorities that drive progress in reducing AMR, emphasising sustainable collaboration between countries and sectors to share best practices.
A core focus is strengthening Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to reduce the spread of resistant infections. By reinforcing best practices and competencies, EU-JAMRAI 2 supports national activities to improve IPC standards across all participating countries. Another crucial area is ensuring the responsible use of antimicrobials. The project will promote actions and training programmes that encourage the rational use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials across the human and animal sectors, while also preventing the spread of resistant agents in the environment.
Additionally, a One Health surveillance system will be established to keep professionals informed and policies updated. Partners are also identifying clinically important antibiotics and veterinary vaccines at risk of supply shortages and proposing solutions to improve access of these essential medicines across Europe. These enduring interventions will be supported by behavioural implementation frameworks, with citizen engagement further enhanced through effective awareness campaigns.
Towards stronger National Action Plans
Didier Samuel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Inserm, concluded the Annual Meeting highlighting that in just one year, EU-JAMRAI 2 has laid a robust foundation for change, with synergistic actions already driving progress. The next three years will be crucial, and EU-JAMRAI 2 outcomes will play a key role in strengthening National Action Plans on AMR across the 30 participating countries. “Our strength lies in our unity. The One Health world we are collectively building recognizes the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic perspective is our blueprint for success. It’s not just a concept; it’s our call to action.”
Gallery of the event
