The European Commission is calling on stakeholders across Europe to give their perspectives and priorities for the EU4Health Work Programme 2026
This targeted consultation, open until 30 September 2025, offers an opportunity for a wide range of participants, including national health authorities, civil society organisations, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, and businesses, to help shape the next phase of the EU’s flagship health initiative.
What is the EU4Health programme?
Launched in 2021, EU4Health is the European Union’s most ambitious and expansive health programme to date. Developed in response to the challenges set by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is designed to prepare for future health crises and also to strengthen the overall resilience of healthcare systems across EU member states.
With a budget primarily managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), EU4Health funds a wide range of actions, from grants for national and regional authorities to contracts with expert organisations working on cross-border health issues. EU4Health’s scope includes disease prevention, digital transformation of health systems, access to medical products, and improving health data infrastructure.
Preparing the 2026 work programme
The 2026 Annual Work Programme will define the main priorities, funding mechanisms, and actions under the EU4Health programme for that year. The current consultation is an essential step in gathering input that reflects the evolving needs and experiences of those on the front lines of health and care in Europe.
The European Commission is especially interested in insights from those with firsthand knowledge of healthcare delivery, health policy implementation, or the lived experiences of patients. This includes organisations working in public health, medical research, pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, as well as advocacy groups, academia, and networks with specialised expertise.
The success of EU4Health depends on ensuring that its goals and activities align with the real-world needs of citizens and the health systems that serve them. That’s why this consultation emphasises the importance of inclusivity, aiming to reach beyond policymakers and engage with a broad community of stakeholders.
Those providing feedback will have the opportunity to influence areas such as investment in healthcare workforce training, public health campaigns, cross-border health initiatives, and the integration of digital technologies in healthcare delivery.
While EU4Health was initially launched in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, its ambitions are far-reaching. The programme supports long-term goals like strengthening health system sustainability, improving access to high-quality care, promoting mental health, and addressing the health impacts of climate change and demographic shifts.
By collecting input now, the Commission hopes to personalise the 2026 Work Programme to address emerging health challenges while continuing to build on the foundations laid in previous years.
How to participate
Stakeholders who want to contribute to the consultation can submit their feedback directly to the European Commission by 30 September 2025. Participation is open to all relevant entities operating within the EU, including public bodies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, professional associations, and private companies engaged in the health sector.
