On Thursday 29 October 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe has selected Luxembourg’s bid to host the future geographically dispersed WHO/Europe office dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) in health.
According to the ministry, the decision was taken by the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe at its 76th session, held in Copenhagen from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October. Following a thorough assessment of the three bids submitted, including those from Poland and Portugal, the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee recommended Luxembourg’s proposal.
This “geographically dispersed” office will be based in Luxembourg but will report to WHO’s Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen.
A bid prepared by several ministries
The bid was coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Social Security, working closely with the ministries responsible for digitalisation, research and higher education, foreign and European affairs, and the economy. This interministerial effort made it possible to present a proposal that builds on the country’s expertise in healthcare, research, digital infrastructure and international cooperation, backed by a long-term commitment.
“This is a wonderful recognition for Luxembourg. Artificial intelligence must help improve the quality and safety of healthcare, support healthcare professionals and genuinely benefit patients, while respecting their rights and protecting their data,” said Martine Deprez, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security.
The role of the future office
The ministry reported that the office will help Member States in the European Region integrate safe, ethical and trustworthy artificial intelligence into their healthcare and public health systems, ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably. Particular attention will be given to countries with the greatest capacity-building needs.
Its work will focus in particular on the impact of AI in healthcare, identifying good practices, training professionals, fostering cooperation between countries and supporting national strategies.
Real added value for Luxembourg’s ecosystem
Future collaboration with WHO will enable hospitals, healthcare professionals and research institutions to exchange experiences, receive training and participate in networks and research projects.
Ultimately, the quality of care provided to patients will improve through the use of innovative and secure tools.
Building on national initiatives
The ministry detailed that the office will complement Luxembourg’s ongoing efforts in digital health, research and artificial intelligence. The national DigiSanté programme, which implements the European regulation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS), aims in particular to improve system interoperability, the secure exchange of information and continuity of care.
The Luxembourg AI Factory, the MeluXina supercomputer and the MeluXina-AI project, the Luxembourg National Data Service (LNDS), the University of Luxembourg and public research institutes are other stakeholders already working with hospitals in Luxembourg on clinical research, health data and personalised medicine. The arrival of the WHO office will bring these initiatives and Luxembourg’s ecosystem closer to the international landscape of AI in healthcare, while respecting WHO’s scientific and institutional independence.
