With its proposal for the long-term EU budget, the European Commission outlined a €100 billion budget for its new research programme, running between 2021 and 2027. The figure announced by the Commission includes, among other, €97.6 billion for Horizon Europe, the new EU’s flagship research programme. With this framework, the aim of the Commission is to continue to promote research excellence and strengthen the focus on innovation. In parallel, the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal includes a reorganisation of some health-promotion activities. Namely, the EU Commission €420 million Health Programme will be consolidated with several other programmes into an enlarged European Social Fund, aimed at improving society overall.
The EFN calls on the Commission and the Parliament to ensure that the EU commitment towards promoting accessible healthcare for EU citizens remains a key priority for the EU. Frontline and end-users needs to be properly engaged and supported to deliver positive health outcomes.