In this paper, we aim to synthesize and analyse the focus, results and main issues emanating from the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in the region of Europe and Central Asia. In particular, the focus is the 17 FAO programme countries in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, Caucasus and CIS Europe, and Central Asia (ECA-17).

We offer a stocktake of the outcomes from a subset of these dialogues – those convened by national governments, referred to under the UNFSS process as ‘Member State Dialogues’ – and of the pathways for food system transformation submitted by 11 of the 17 governments. These pathways, known as ‘National Pathways’, were informed by the Member State Dialogues and are intended as a blueprint to guide action beyond the UNFSS.

This paper is intended to provide a succinct overview of country priorities and issues common among countries in ECA-17, and to inform national governments and food system stakeholders as they look to build on outcomes from the UNFSS and advance food system transformation at national level. It does not offer a broader overview of the state of food system-related policy in the region, nor does it draw on material beyond that submitted as part of the formal UNFSS process.