Antimicrobial resistance in the EU/EEA (EARS-Net): Annual Epidemiological Report for 2023

Antimicrobial-resistant infections (AMR) cause over 35,000 deaths annually in the EU/EEA. Progress towards EU targets is poor, with an increase in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae bloodstream infections. The Council Recommendation encourages Member States to develop national action plans, including enhanced surveillance, infection prevention, control, and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Without swifter public health action, the EU may not reach all AMR targets by 2030, leading to more difficult-to-treat infections and AMR-related deaths.