Press Release - Progress against Cancer at Risk in Next EU Budget
Cancer remains one of Europe’s most significant public health and economic challenges.
Each year, 2.7 million people in the EU are diagnosed with cancer, 1.3 million die from it, and €49 billion in productivity is lost to it.
In 2021, the European Commission launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission – its most ambitious effort against a most insidious disease – financed under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Since then, the EU has made unprecedented progress in cancer prevention, screening, patient care, and training for cancer professionals.
That progress is now at risk as negotiations begin on the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028-2034, where cancer could face reduced political and financial support.
On the eve of World Cancer Day, Members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum are coming together to issue a joint declaration calling for a strong, explicit commitment and sustained funding for cancer control in the next MFF. Specifically, among the key calls they make are for:
- A dedicated European Cancer Fund of €2 billion to deliver the full promise of the new actions and infrastructures for cross-border cooperation on cancer now established.
- Greater coordination to cancer research and policy. With the United States and China outpacing Europe in investment and innovation, the EU needs a clearer, more unified approach. A European Cancer Institute is one potential way to ensure stronger direction, accountability and long-term planning.
- Reducing the wide gaps in cancer outcomes across the EU. National and Regional Partnership Plans should become a key mechanism for improving cancer prevention and care at national level.
‘Cancer is a leading cause of death in Europe, yet the MFF treats health funding as an afterthought. Our citizens deserve better.’
- Intergroup Co-Chair, Vlad Voiculescu MEP
‘This is a pivotal moment for European cancer care. We’ve come so far; are we really ready to retreat? Are we really ready to let so many innovative, lifesaving projects quietly fade away?’
- ECO President, Isabel Rubio
The declaration will be launched during a special event of the European Parliament Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases at the European Parliament on Tuesday, 3 February, from 10:00 to 11:30 CET, in Room 5E2.
The event, hosted by Vlad Voiculescu (RO/RE), brings together the co-chairs of the Intergroup on Cancer & Rare Diseases, Stine Bosse (DK/RE), Tilly Metz (LU/Greens), Alessandra Moretti (IT/S&D) and Tomislav Sokol (HR/EPP), in addition to other MEPs and key stakeholders.
Notes to Editors
- On Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: In recent years, the EU has strengthened cancer control through Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Mission on Cancer, delivering tangible benefits across Member States. These include improved cancer prevention legislation and progress towards eliminating HPV-related cancers; expanded and higher-quality cancer screening programmes; new cooperation initiatives such as the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres and Cancer Image Europe; expert-led pan-European training programmes for cancer professionals; and new tools to support cancer survivors alongside targeted research collaborations in areas of high unmet need.
- On MFF: The European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is a seven-year budget plan that sets the maximum spending limits for the European Union across various policy areas. It outlines how much money the EU can invest in different sectors, such as climate action, research, and cohesion, ensuring financial stability and predictability for EU programmes.
About the European Cancer Organisation
The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is the largest non-profit, multi-professional federation in Europe. It brings together hundreds of different professional societies and patient groups to advocate for more effective, efficient, and equitable cancer care.
For more information, to request an embargoed copy of the declaration or to arrange an interview with any of the co-chairs, please contact:
Alvaro Jimber
Communication Officer
European Cancer Organisation
