Regional Core Group of the Regional Commission for Europe

Presentation and objectives

The Regional Core Group (RCG) is a communication, coordination, and cooperation mechanism established to strengthen interaction between the Member Countries of the European Region and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and to support the work of the Regional Commission for Europe. The RCG was originally established as a Task Force in 2012 and was revitalized following discussions during the 27th Conference of the Regional Commission for Europe (Lisbon, Portugal, September 2016). In 2017, the Task Force was formally renamed the Regional Core Group, with an expanded mandate and composition.

In May 2025, the Regional Commission for Europe unanimously adopted a revised set of Terms of references and a modernized working mechanism for the RCG. This reform strengthened the RCG’s mandate, clarified its governance role, and introduced a structured subregional representation system, reflecting the political, geographical, epidemiological, and trade realities of the Europe Region.

Mandate and functions

Under the revised Terms of Reference, the RCG aims to:

• Support the Bureau of the Regional Commission for Europe in the execution of its responsibilities, in accordance with the WOAH Basic Texts;
• Strengthen communication and coordination between the Regional Commission, the Council (through its regional members), subregional representatives, WOAH Headquarters, and the Regional and Sub-Regional Representations;
• Facilitate active and coordinated regional participation in WOAH governance processes, including the General Session, Regional Commission meetings, and relevant technical platforms;
• Enhance regional participation in the WOAH standard-setting process for selected chapters of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Codes and Manuals of particular interest to the Region, including the development of coordinated regional positions;
• Contribute to the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the WOAH regional work plan for Europe, aligned with the WOAH Strategic Plan;
• Promote transparency, information sharing, and engagement among all 53 Member Countries of the European Region and with relevant international and regional partners.

Composition of the Regional Core Group (2025–2027)

The composition of the RCG ensures geographical and political balance across the European Region and includes 13 members, as follows:

Elected members

• Members of the Bureau of the Regional Commission for Europe (4):
  • Dr Maris Balodis (Latvia), President
  • Dr Ulrich Herzog (Austria), Vice-President
  • Dr Galib Abdulaliyev (Azerbaijan), Vice-President
  • Dr Keti Margariti (Albania), Secretary-General
• Regional members of the WOAH Council (2):
  • Dr Susana Pombo (Portugal)
  • Dr Cristine Middlemiss (United Kingdom)

Nominated members (7), representing five subregions

• European Union:
  • Dr Herman Claeys (Belgium)
  • Dr June Fanning (Ireland)
  • Dr Vaidotas Kiudulas (Lithuania)
• Western Europe (non-EU):
  • Dr Laurent Monnerat (Switzerland)
• South-Eastern Europe (non-EU):
  • Dr Sasa Boskovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU):
  • Dr Konstantin Savenkov (Russian Federation)
• Western Eurasia (including the Caucasus):
  • Dr Abrar Akbarov (Uzbekistan)

This composition was endorsed by the Regional Commission for Europe in May 2025 and will serve until May 2027.

Governance and functioning

• Chair: President of the Regional Commission for Europe
• Secretariat: WOAH Regional Representation for Europe
• The European Commission participates as an observer.
• The RCG meets at least three times per year:
  1. a spring meeting ahead of the General Session,
  2. a meeting during the General Session, and
  3. an autumn meeting focused on review and forward planning.

Additional meetings may be convened as needed to address specific strategic or technical issues.