The United States and the European Union on Friday rejected a U.N. declaration pledging international collaboration in preparing for and responding to pandemics. The declaration, from a high-level U.N. meeting, is largely ceremonial and not legally binding, but its endorsement would have signaled global political commitment. Its rejection by some wealthiest countries sharpened divides from the coronavirus pandemic, when low-income nations lagged in vaccine access.

The European Union cited objections over intellectual property protections, insisting technology transfer must be voluntary. The Trump administration's objections were ideological. Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new CDC director, cited "divisive ideologies that lack definitional consensus," without specifics. Early drafts show the U.S. sought to delete mentions of equity, solidarity, and sexual health services.

Since President Trump's second inauguration, the U.S. has refused several public health declarations, including on chronic diseases and road safety. India and Germany voiced qualms but did not reject; Italy explicitly rejected. Helen Clark, former New Zealand prime minister, called the rejection disappointing, saying collaboration should not be controversial. Peter Maybarduk of Public Citizen said the stance harms American interests. The declaration will still likely be adopted at a future General Assembly meeting.