Commission adopts 2024 EU for Health work program with €752.4 million in funding to strengthen the European Health Union

The European Commission today adopted the 2024 EU for Health work programme, which aims to deliver the main priorities of EU health policy in the framework of the European Union of health. The budget of €752.4 million will boost its development and provide funding to address important health-related issues across the EU. This involves improving the EU's preparedness for crises through the European Health Preparedness and Response Authority and the capacity to respond to challenges such as those linked to war of aggression led by Russia against Ukraine. It will also ensure the deployment of key digital initiatives such as the European Health Data Space, which notably aims to make good use of digital health data to improve healthcare for patients across the EU.

The 2024 budget will also help strengthen the EU's resilience to cross-border health threats and implement the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe and the European Plan to Beat Cancer. Additionally, it will support emerging policy initiatives with particular attention to mental health, global health and drug developments.

To strengthen the important role played by civil organizations in the implementation of EU health policies, the EU for Health (EU4Health) program continues operating grants of €9 million in 2024 and will publish a call for the conclusion of framework partnership agreements for the period 2025-2026.

The adoption of the work program today follows a positive opinion from Member States at the EU4Health Program Committee meeting on 28 November.

Commissioner Stella Kyriakides stated: “Today's adoption of the 2024 EU for Health work program marks a further, steady step towards an even stronger European Health Union and demonstrates once again more than health policy is a priority for this Commission. Funding under this largest EU health program continues to amplify our commitment to strengthening health resilience, advancing the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe and implementing actions carried out within the framework of the European plan to beat cancer in order to improve treatment, care and quality of life for patients and their families. Civil society has a crucial role to play in reaching our citizens, and we recognize this by continuing operating grants in 2024 and publishing a call for framework partnership agreements for the period 2025-2026. This funding will also boost crucial efforts in mental health, global health and key advancements in digital health. It demonstrates our collective commitment to a healthier and more resilient Union.”