German-Norwegian Health Partnership

They thus have come to the following understanding:

I. The Sides intend to provide a structure for regular dialogue, bilateral cooperation and mutual learning in areas of strategic importance, and to enhance the ability of both countries to promote mutual interests at the domestic, EU and global level by:

1. exchange of experts, delegations and health related personnel in the field of health;
2. exchange of expertise, information and experience regarding organisation, structure, policymaking and reforms in the field of health;
3. other forms of cooperation as decided by the Sides.

II. The Cooperation will focus on areas of importance to both countries’ ability to provide sustainable and high-quality health services to their populations, and to improving health preparedness and response, including cooperation on research, new technologies and development of the health industry. The Sides aim to link their cooperation to relevant processes at EU or global levels.

III. The Sides intend to work according to a program with concrete actions in order to realise the goals of the partnership. A living document with regular updates can reflect the progress made and new opportunities identified.

The following topics are part of the initial work program:

• Climate change and its effect on health and health systems: Climate change is affecting public health and the health sector significantly in a number of ways, including by changing in epidemiology, enhancing the risk of disasters, increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, and by affecting physical and mental health. It also affects socio-economic groups in different ways, with the potential to increase social inequalities. The health sector also has the task to reduce its carbon footprint. The Sides intend to regularly exchange views on current developments in the national and European policy. They intend to share experiences on best practices as well as challenges in our respective policy frameworks with a view to learning from each other.

• The role of digitalization, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in improving health services and health systems performance: Digitalization and AI represent both challenges and opportunities to the health sector. Harnessing the possibilities that lie in digital solutions and AI is essential for effective and sustainable service provision at a time when access to qualified health personnel is becoming increasingly difficult. To promote increased cooperation, the Sides intend to organize a workshop for actors in value chains relevant to the digitalization in both countries.

• Strengthening European health preparedness and response: The establishment of the European Health Union represents a significant step forward in consolidating the health security of European citizens. It also demonstrates that maintaining adequate health preparedness and response capacities requires intensified cooperation within the region, with particular emphasis on open strategic autonomy. The Sides intend to maintain a close dialogue on German and Norwegian participation in relevant EU initiatives.

• Promoting mutual interests in global health: Germany and Norway share interests in a well-functioning global health architecture and are leading actors across a range of global health organisations. The Sides declare their willingness to build on their longstanding tradition of collaborating closely on global health matters, including in relation to strengthening WHO’s role. The Sides intend to discuss challenges and opportunities in this context and exchange information related to relevant WHO initiatives.

IV. This Partnership comes into effect on the day of signature. The cooperation under this document can be terminated by either of the Sides any time with prior written notice to the other Side, if ever possible no later than six (6) months prior to the date of desired termination. The termination of the cooperation is not intended to affect the implementation of initiated or on-going activities and projects. Amendments may be made at any time by the mutual consent of both Sides

V. This Partnership is not designed to constitute a legally binding document. No items of this document will be construed to create any financial or legal obligations to the Sides.

Signed in Berlin, on 28. January 2025 in duplicate, in the English language.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry    On behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of of Health:     Health and Care Services:

Prof. Dr. Edgar Franke                                      Jan Christian Vestre