The European Commission’s EU4Health Work Programme for 2026 failed to secure a majority in the Programme Committee. The key concern was the Commission’s continued removal of Operating Grants for civil society health organisations. These grants enable patient groups and public health NGOs, like EUPHA, to work independently and contribute evidence to EU policymaking.
As highlighted in the EJPH editorial earlier this year, civil society is a vital part of Europe’s public health infrastructure. It strengthens accountability, amplifies community voices, identifies emerging challenges, and keeps evidence at the heart of policymaking. Weakening this sector risks reducing Europe’s ability to respond effectively to future health threats.
EUPHA President Tit Albreht spoke to EU Perspectives about what the cut means, why public health cannot turn to industry money, and what Europe loses if it lets health funding fragment. In his interview, he warns that if health is not defended at EU level, no one else will.
