Seven EU states vote against Commission's 2026 health programme over NGO funding cuts
The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a significant setback as seven member states voted against it, ten abstained, and ten supported it, failing to secure the required majority. The main point of contention was the Commission's decision to remove core funding for civil-society health organisations, including operating grants for patient and health advocacy groups. Countries opposing included Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. Even some supporting states shared concerns about the NGO cuts. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, with the €4.4 billion EU4Health programme being folded into the new European Competitiveness Fund. The Commission may either refer the matter to an appeal committee or amend the programme for a new vote. Health NGOs welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent civil society.
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