The EU4Health programme, born in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to bolster crisis preparedness and fortify the health systems of the European Union.
As the pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of national healthcare infrastructures, EU4Health emerged as a vital initiative to address long-term health challenges.
With a budget of €5.3bn allocated for the 2021-2027 period, the EU4Health programme represents an unprecedented financial commitment to health from the EU, signalling a prioritisation of public health and a significant step towards the realisation of a European Health Union.
EU4Health programme objectives
Engrained in Regulation (EU) 2021/522, the EU4Health programme sets forth four overarching objectives underpinned by ten specific goals. These objectives include:
- Improving and fostering health by promoting health and disease prevention through international health initiatives and co-operation
- Protecting citizens from health threats through enhancing prevention, preparedness and response to cross-border health threats. This will be achieved through national stockpiling of crisis-level products and the creation of a reserve of medical and healthcare experts
- Increasing access to affordable medicinal products, devices and crisis-relevant products
- Strengthening health systems by reinforcing health data, digital tools and services, and increasing access to healthcare. Via evidence-based decision-making, EU health legislation will be developed and implemented to integrate work across national health systems
Investing in health
At the heart of EU4Health lies a commitment to investment in urgent health priorities. This includes responding effectively to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and fortifying Europe’s defences against future cross-border health threats.
Moreover, the programme aligns with initiatives such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. Additionally, it champions the digitalisation of health systems, addresses antimicrobial resistance, and promotes vaccination campaigns.
Implementation and collaboration
EU4Health operates through annual Work Programmes, categorised into four primary strands: crisis preparedness, health promotion and disease prevention, health systems and healthcare workforce, and digitalisation.
The programme offers financial support to qualifying entities, healthcare organisations, and NGOs from either EU Member States or non-EU nations affiliated with the programme.
A comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, including consultations and events, preceded the establishment of EU4Health. Stakeholders, including representatives from civil society, patient associations, academia, and healthcare organisations, play a crucial role in shaping the programme’s priorities and strategic direction.
Furthermore, EU countries and associated non-EU countries actively participate in the consultation process, ensuring alignment with national health policies and priorities.
Various entities are integral to the realisation of EU4Health’s goals. EU countries collaborate closely with the European Commission to steer the programme’s direction through the EU4Health Steering Group and Programme Committee.
Stakeholders contribute valuable insights, while the European Parliament remains informed about its progress. Ultimately, the European Commission oversees the programme’s implementation, with the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) playing a pivotal role in its execution.
EU4Health is poised to transform Europe’s healthcare landscape, providing much-needed support to strengthen health systems, respond to crises, and foster collaboration across borders.
With its robust funding and ambitious objectives, the programme heralds a new era of health resilience and co-operation within the European Union.
