Seven EU countries vote against Commission's 2026 health programme over NGO funding cuts

Brussels — EU countries are deeply divided over the allocation of this year's EU health budget, particularly concerning funding for health advocacy groups, following a vote by member states that failed to secure the required majority.

Vote Outcome

On Wednesday, the European Commission presented its EU4Health work programme for the current year to national representatives, outlining how funds are to be allocated, as reported by Euractiv.

According to one EU diplomat, the vote resulted in:

• 7 member states voting against
• 10 abstaining
• 10 supporting the programme

The "Dealbreaker"

A second EU diplomat described the removal of core funding for civil-society health organisations as the "dealbreaker." The Commission had proposed cuts to operating grants for these groups.

Countries opposing the programme included Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. A seventh country is likely Slovenia, which earlier backed a French-led non-paper calling for the reinstatement of operating grants for health NGOs — a position also supported by Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg in February.

The diplomat added that even member states supporting the programme shared concerns about the NGO grants.

Mounting Tensions

The vote comes amid broader restructuring. In July, the Commission announced that the €4.4 billion standalone EU4Health programme would be folded into the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), alongside agriculture, biotechnology, and bioeconomy funding.

Funding tensions have escalated since the Commission cut EU4Health's budget from €5.3 billion to €4.1 billion — a reduction of nearly 20% — citing shifting priorities toward defence and security. The annual work programme determines how this reduced budget is allocated.

In July 2025, the Commission published its delayed 2025 work programme and confirmed it would withdraw operating grants for many patient and health advocacy groups.

The decision has triggered months of concern among NGOs, MEPs, and several governments, who warn that without predictable core funding, health civil society risks becoming fragmented, weakened, and increasingly sidelined in EU policymaking. Some organisations have already laid off staff or closed their Brussels offices.

Two Ways Forward

Despite the backlash, the Commission described the 2026 programme as "ambitious." A spokesperson told Euractiv they "regret that Member States were not able to support the work programme," adding only that the institution will "now reflect on the most appropriate route forward."

A Commission official outlined two possible next steps:

1. Refer the matter to an appeal committee of senior member state representatives — a move that can be taken within one month of the Programme Committee's decision.
2. Amend the work programme to reflect member state concerns and reconvene the committee for a new vote within two months — a scenario mostly welcomed by NGOs.

NGO Reactions

The European Patient Forum (EPF) called the outcome a "positive signal." EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe welcomed the member states' intervention, describing it as a sign of renewed commitment to "strong, independent and adequately funded" health NGOs.