EU4Health 2026 approved: NGOs welcome return of operating grants despite 80% cut
EU member states finally approved over €680 million in EU4Health funding for 2026; NGOs welcome the return of operating grants despite an 80% cut from 2024 levels
EU member states have approved the 2026 EU4Health Work Programme, paving the way for more than €680 million in health spending and reinstating €1.8 million in operating grants for health NGOs, following months of negotiations and pressure from civil society organisations.
The European Commission welcomed the positive opinion delivered by the Member States’ Programme Committee, confirming that it would move swiftly to formally adopt the programme.
“This is good news, as it will unlock over 680 million euros of dedicated health spending across key areas, including health preparedness, cardiovascular health and critical medicines, digital health and more,” a Commission spokesperson said.
“We took on board the comments of member states and adjusted the programme accordingly,” the spokesperson added.
The decision was particularly welcomed by health NGOs, which had strongly criticised the withdrawal of operating grants in 2025 and their initial exclusion from the 2026 programme.
Catherine Feore
However, both the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) warned that the reinstated €1.8 million represents an 80% reduction compared with the €9 million allocated in 2024.
“We welcome this step forward. But the €1.8 million allocated remains far below the €9 million provided in 2024, and is not enough to address the serious financial pressures facing patient organisations,” EPF said.
The organisation stressed that operating grants are essential for ensuring patient representation in EU policymaking and criticised delays in the adoption process.
According to EPF, 17 Member States abstained or voted against the first draft in July over the absence of operating grants. A subsequent draft proposed €1.3 million before the allocation was increased to €1.8 million.
EPHA similarly welcomed the decision but questioned whether the funding could sustain independent health organisations.
“The decision should therefore be seen as a positive signal, rather than a sustainable solution,” EPHA said.
The alliance also highlighted growing demand for support, with applications for operating grants nearly tripling from 22 in 2022 to 64 in 2024.
Both organisations called for greater transparency, meaningful consultation and predictable funding in future EU4Health programmes.
Attention will now turn to the 2027 Work Programme, the final year of the current EU4Health programme, and negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028–2034.