New publications
EU health agency calls for intensified fight against antibiotic resistance
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The European Health Agency warned on Monday that Europe was off track to meet targets to reduce antibiotic use, calling for action to prevent antimicrobial resistance from undermining health systems.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said antibiotic consumption in the EU increased by one percent from 2019 to 2023, meaning it is "moving further away from the 2030 target of a 20 percent reduction" recommended by the EU.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, which the ECDC has noted poses a public health risk.
The rise in resistance poses "an increasing threat to patients in hospitals across the EU, particularly as there are very few therapeutic options left to treat patients," the ECDC warned.
The agency also said the EU was unlikely to achieve its goals without action, calling for a "united and urgent response" to the problem.
"This response is key to protecting patients and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations," ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner said in a statement.
The agency recommended a three-pronged approach: infection prevention and control, prudent use of antimicrobials, and development of and access to new antimicrobials.
"Reducing the use of antibiotics requires more information and public awareness campaigns, complemented by social and behavioural measures to prevent their unnecessary use," ECDC said.