EU greenlights new EU4Health budget for 2026, targeting digital health and biotech
Member states have approved the 2026 EU4Health programme, which will fund critical medicines, health digitalisation and system strengthening.
EU member states have issued a favorable opinion on the 2026 EU4Health work programme, allowing the European Commission to move toward formal adoption. The programme aims to support critical medicines, build the European Health Data Space and accelerate digital upgrades across health systems. In parallel, the Commission’s draft 2028-2034 budget proposes merging EU4Health with 13 other programmes into a European Competitiveness Fund, designating digital health and biotech as priority sectors.
Funding will be allocated through competitive calls, direct grants and joint actions, overseen by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Eligibility criteria and specific project details will be defined in upcoming calls, with Romanian health actors among those expected to apply. The next step is the Commission’s formal adoption, after which detailed rules and access procedures will be published.
Why it matters
The new EU health funding will shape digital and biotech investments across Europe, affecting hospitals, firms and research in member states.
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