EU Cancer Research Faces Threat as Irish Presidency Proposes Major Budget Cuts

The European Cancer Organisation, representing 41 national societies, warned that the Irish Presidency’s latest budget proposal could undermine cancer research and treatment in Europe. President Isabel Rubio highlighted that the EU’s Cancer Mission and the Beating Cancer Plan have driven notable advances, but a €36 billion cut to the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework threatens those gains, with specific reductions of €15 billion to Horizon Europe and €3 billion to the health portion of the new Competitiveness Fund.

The organisation fears that ongoing projects may be halted and future initiatives could be abandoned, sending a discouraging signal to cancer-focused groups. In response, an Irish Presidency spokesperson emphasized that health receives substantial boosts elsewhere, noting a 188% increase for the UCPM+ programme and a 246% increase for the health, biotech, agriculture and bioeconomy window of the Competitiveness Fund. The spokesperson also said the revised negotiating box aims to balance new priorities with treaty-based policies while reflecting member states’ fiscal realities. Negotiations are now in the hands of European Council President Antonio Costa following the European Council meeting on 15 October.