On 8 December 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Representation for Europe in Moscow welcomed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from across its 53 Member Countries to a Seasonal Brunch Reception. The gathering brought together distinguished guests from embassies, international organisations, and partner institutions to celebrate continued progress in animal health, animal welfare, One Health cooperation, and safe international trade, reinforcing shared efforts toward regional stability and preparedness.
Hosted by Dr Budimir Plavšić, WOAH Regional Representative for Europe, the reception provided an informal yet substantive platform for dialogue on shared priorities, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for strengthened collaboration.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Plavšić underscored WOAH’s long-standing commitment to supporting Members through scientific expertise, capacity building, and coordinated regional action. He also highlighted the important role of diplomatic missions in advancing shared goals:
Guests recognised the value of maintaining strong professional and diplomatic relationships to ensure that Europe remains a leader in animal health security, standard-setting process and official disease-free status recognition.
The event brought together representatives not only from embassies, Ministry of Agriculture and Rosselkhoznadzor, but also from partner organisations, including the WHO, FAO, the permanent mission of the EU to Russian Federation, the Eurasian Economic Commission, and WOAH collaboration centre and Reference Laboratory in Vladimir and others. Informal discussions throughout the brunch emphasised challenges and achievements of the past year, such as:
Participants welcomed WOAH’s practical support, technical guidance, and facilitation of regional cooperation.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Sergey Dankvert, Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), emphasised the essential role of WOAH International Standards in safeguarding animal health. He underlined that their consistent implementation is key to preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases and ensuring the safety of international trade, particularly in a complex and rapidly evolving global context.
Dr Dankvert expressed appreciation for WOAH’s technical expertise, its permanent support to Member Countries, and its commitment to acting in a transparent, impartial, and scientifically grounded manner. Qualities that he noted are highly valued by national authorities. Solidarity with other members and providing assistance when needed, including urgent vaccine deliveries in the event of immediate FMD and other disease outbreaks, is of great interest and has been proven highly effective.
Held at the Italian Restaurant Butler, the reception offered a warm, collegial setting, encouraging open conversation and networking. The event highlighted the value of creating spaces where diplomacy, science, and practical cooperation converge, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more resilient Europe.
WOAH Europe, with its regional offices in Moscow, Astana, Brussels, will continue advancing its programme of regional activities and technical support in 2026, including:
The Regional Representation expresses its appreciation to all participants for their engagement and looks forward to continued collaboration in the year ahead.
