EU Explanation of Position – UN General Assembly: Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health

EU Explanation of Position - UN General Assembly: Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health

15 December 2025, New York - Explanation of Position on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, delivered by Denmark, at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly after action on the Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health

[FINAL VERSION]

President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

We welcome today's adoption of the Political Declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being. We congratulate Luxembourg and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for their leadership, and we thank delegations for the constructive spirit that allowed its conclusion.

Non-communicable diseases remain the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide, while mental health challenges continue to grow in urgency. These burdens weigh heavily on citizens, health systems, and economies globally, including within the EU. This Declaration comes at a crucial moment, reaffirming our collective commitment and providing renewed political momentum toward achieving the NCD and mental health targets of the 2030 Agenda.

We welcome that the text builds on the foundations of 2018, while recognising progress, persistent gaps, and emerging challenges. Its comprehensive approach reflects priorities we consider essential: a multisectoral "Health in All Policies" framework; strengthened health promotion and prevention, early detection and screening; resilient, people-centred primary healthcare and workforce; access to effective and innovative public health measures; and a life-long approach to health. We also value the stronger emphasis placed on mental health and well-being-a significant and overdue advance which aligns with our own priorities.

Today's adoption also confirms a shared understanding that commitments must be credible, achievable and evidence-based. Targets should reflect robust data and national contexts, including demographic realities. And we underline the need to avoid prescriptive language which does not consider the differences depending on national context.

We further stress that, as established in the Compromiso de Sevilla adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, national governments hold primary responsibility for health including addressing NCDs and mental health, with international support as a complement where appropriate.

While underscoring that national governments also retain full sovereignty in determining their own fiscal policies, we also underline the need for efficient use of limited global resources, strengthening coordination within existing mechanisms rather than creating new structures.

We also reiterate our support for promoting healthy lifestyles and balanced diets, emphasizing the overall balance of their components.

Nevertheless, the EU and its Member States regret the inclusion of several elements to which we have consistently objected. We have not called/supported a vote, recognising the efforts made to reach a consensus-based outcome, but our concerns remain unresolved:

• First, as we have done in several other resolutions, we dissociate from uncaveated or partially uncaveated references to the transfer of technology and know-how in OP62. Such cooperation must be voluntary, on mutually agreed terms, and consistent with international obligations-conditions essential for ensuring effective and reliable delivery.
• Second, we reiterate that references to the WTO Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health must be comprehensive and fully aligned with its wording. We therefore place on record that OP63 sets no precedent.
• Third, and similarly, we stress that no precedent is set with OP60. As we have explained previously, our agreement regarding the language on access to health products was contingent on adjusting the references to the respect for international rules, pricing and procurement for us to fully support this sensitive paragraph.

Colleagues, in conclusion, this Declaration reinforces the universal right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The EU and its Member States remain fully committed to this and to the overarching objective of the resolution of achieving the relevant Agenda 2030 targets. Despite our expressed concerns, we support its adoption and remain committed to working with all partners to turn its commitments into real improvements in people's lives especially for those furthest behind.

Thank you.