PRESS RELEASE - Key Opinion Leaders Call for a Strong EU Health Budget
Joint letter to the European Commission, EU Council and Member States warns that a competitive economy requires a healthy population
Every year, Europe loses a staggering €442 billion in productivity because of avoidable deaths linked to non-communicable diseases alone, according to the World Health Organization1.
Yet, as negotiations intensify over the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), health risks slipping down the political agenda at precisely the moment Europe is placing competitiveness, resilience and economic security at the centre of its future strategy.
Today, more than 490 (and counting) healthcare experts, researchers, academics, patient advocates and civil society organisations from across disease areas are issuing a united warning: Europe cannot build a competitive economy without a healthy population. The mobilisation represents one of the largest coordinated actions by the European health community on the future of the EU budget.
In a joint letter2 addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, and EU Member State governments, the coalition calls for health to be formalised as a clear strategic priority, with its own dedicated and ringfenced EU budget.
The intervention comes at a critical political moment. The European Parliament adopted its position on the next MFF in April 20263, strongly supporting a dedicated health envelope and proposing €10 billion in investment for health. Across the health sector, this position has been welcomed as a strong signal that people come first and must remain so in all ongoing budget negotiations.
As the Council progresses its negotiations, we welcome the support expressed by some member states, but broader political commitment is required in support of stronger health investment.
‘Europe cannot hope to compete globally while its citizens are held back by preventable illness and unequal access to care. Investing in health is not separate from Europe’s competitiveness agenda; it is a fundamental part of it,’ said Isabel Rubio, President, European Cancer Organisation.
‘The letter calls for health to be established as a clear strategic priority, underpinned by a dedicated and ringfenced EU budget,’ said Minerva Becker, Chairperson, Board of Directors, European Society of Radiology.
‘Health is not a cost to be managed, but an investment in Europe’s resilience, productivity, and social cohesion,’ said Konstantinos Makrilakis, President, Hellenic Diabetes Association. ‘Europe cannot speak of competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy while weakening investment in health. A dedicated EU health budget is fundamental for the future wellbeing and security of European citizens.’
Patient organisations echoed the call: ‘A European Health Union cannot exist without meaningful and protected investment in health. The next EU budget must reflect the political commitment to place citizens’ health at the heart of Europe’s future.’ said Marzia Zambon, Executive Director, Europa Donna.
‘A workforce held back by chronic illness is an economy held back,’ said Caroline Costongs, Director, EuroHealthNet.
Notes to editors
- Estimation based on the WHO report ‘Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling NCDs: leveraging data for impact’, which indicates a cost of US$ 514 billion every year, or an estimated €442 billion.
- Joint letter available here.
- European Parliament resolution of 28 April 2026 on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2028 to 2034.
For more information, or to request an interview with any of the signatories, please contact:
Alvaro Jimber,
Communication Officer
+32 465 64 25 73
