Europe continues to monitor COVID-19 activity and adapt public health strategies. The situation remains dynamic, influenced by emergent variants and varying immunity across the population. Public health authorities are focused on surveillance, preparedness, and providing guidance to minimize the virus’s impact on individuals and healthcare systems.
Current Trends and Dominant Variants
The epidemiological situation in Europe shows varying trends in COVID-19 activity. While global new case reports saw a decrease from early June to early July 2025, some European countries reported increasing trends in new cases and hospitalizations. For instance, in the 28-day period ending July 6, 2025, 11 countries in Europe, the Americas, and the Western Pacific regions experienced increasing hospitalization trends.
Several SARS-CoV-2 variants are currently circulating, with XFG emerging as a prevalent lineage. In the week ending July 6, 2025, XFG accounted for 40% of submitted sequences, an increase from 23% in early June. Other variants like NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1 are also present, though LP.8.1’s circulation has declined. There are no indications that these currently circulating sub-variants are more likely to cause severe illness compared to previous Omicron sub-variants.
Public Health Measures and Travel Guidance
Public health measures across Europe emphasize individual responsibility and targeted interventions. Recommendations include maintaining good respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing, and increased ventilation in indoor spaces. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to prevent further spread. Wearing a face mask may be considered in crowded settings where physical distancing is challenging.
Travel guidance for Europe has largely shifted away from strict COVID-19 restrictions. Most European countries have lifted travel limitations, with tourism returning closer to pre-pandemic levels. New entry systems are being implemented, such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) expected in October 2025 and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026. These will require pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers and are primarily for security enhancements, not COVID-19 health checks.
Healthcare System Impact and Personal Health Advice
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly strained European healthcare systems, leading to increased demand for services and potential staffing shortages. The pandemic has also exacerbated existing health inequalities, with wealthier patients sometimes able to access alternative care options. While there has been a general upward trend in healthcare spending across Europe, the recovery of health systems remains gradual and may not fully return to pre-pandemic levels in many countries.
Individuals are encouraged to protect themselves and others through vaccination and boosters, particularly those at high risk of severe COVID-19. Access to COVID-19 treatments is generally available, forming part of comprehensive control programs.