EU allocates €1.3m to WHO Europe for nurse retention

The European Union (EU) has signed a €1.3 million ($1.4 million) contribution agreement with the World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for WHO Europe to help retain nurses and make the profession more attractive.

Funded by the EU4Health programme, the 36-month initiative will focus on countries with significant nurse shortages.

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, highlighted the importance of nurses, stating, “Nurses are the backbone of our health systems and are critical in ensuring that patients receive high-quality, professional care when they need it.”

The funding will support recruitment action plans, mentoring programmes, workforce impact assessments, and training opportunities. These efforts aim to address structural shortages, improve nurse wellbeing, and leverage digital transformation in healthcare.

The initiative will be tailored to national and sub-national needs through cooperation with Member States, nurses’ organisations, and social partners.