Continued availability of operating grants under the 2025 EU4Health work programme

Question for written answer E-002488/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew), Stine Bosse (Renew), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Christophe Clergeau (S&D), Maria Noichl (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Elena Sancho Murillo (S&D), Nicolás González Casares (S&D), Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D), Marta Temido (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Leire Pajín (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Romana Jerković (S&D), Kristian Vigenin (S&D), Tiemo Wölken (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D)

Operating grants from the EU4Health programme are vital for EU health NGOs to represent citizens and vulnerable groups effectively and independently. These grants align with the 2021 Council conclusion urging Member States and the Commission to support civil society organisations in promoting health access for all, especially vulnerable groups. However, uncertainty about these grants' future availability and funding levels has persisted since their reintroduction in 2021. In 2024, just EUR 9 million - less than 1.2 % of the total EUR 752.4 million budget - was allocated for operating grants. Looking ahead to 2025, there is still no clarity on funding continuation or the publication timing of the work programme, despite 33 organisations securing framework programme agreements for 2025-2026.

A reduction in funding would significantly hinder health policy efforts, as civil society is crucial to European health initiatives.

• 1.Can the Commission confirm a substantial increase funding for EU health civil society organisations in 2025 to accommodate the expanded number of eligible entities?
• 2.For the EU4Health programme's final two years, will the Commission establish a more predictable funding scheme, allowing civil society to plan activities effectively in support of public health goals?

Submitted: 11.11.2024