Protect public health in Europe: Support the petition to save EU4Health civil society grants

We are writing to you today with a special edition of the EUPHA newsletter to gain your support for a critical issue impacting public health in Europe.

What's happening?

Civil society organizations across Europe—including EUPHA—are facing an uncertain future due to a major delay in the adoption of the 2025 EU4Health Work Plan and approval of full-year funding under the Framework Partnership Agreements.

The operating grants expected at the start of the year have not been released, leaving many organizations unable to plan, hire, or secure alternative funding—putting vital public health work at risk.

Why it matters

The delay is already having a serious impact:

• Key EU health priorities, such as cancer, mental health, health preparedness, and health equity, are stalled.

• Dozens of civil society organizations, including EUPHA, are facing the threat of downsizing or closure.

• The credibility, consistency, and stability of EU funding partnerships are being undermined.

This is not just about funding—it is about safeguarding the future of public health in Europe. Civil society organizations are trusted partners in public health, bridging the gap between science, policy, and the public. Their role has been especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many rely on EU4Health operating grants to retain staff, plan activities, and deliver crucial services. The lack of financial clarity and stability puts their ability to contribute to EU health goals in jeopardy, weakening Europe’s overall health preparedness and resilience.

How you can help

We’ve launched a petition urging the European Commission to adopt the 2025 EU4Health Work Plan and unlock the promised grants. Please take two minutes to help:

1. Sign the petition: Add your name to support civil society’s role in public health. Be sure to confirm your signature via email.

2. Share the petition: Use the hashtag #StandUpForPublicHealth and share widely. Teaching? Add it to your presentations. You can also download supporter materials.

3. Read and share the letter: Please take a moment to read the letter to Ursula von der Leyen. If you have any contacts with Ministers of Health, please share this letter with them to further raise awareness of the situation. 

Every signature counts

We cannot afford to let these delays continue without consequences. We need to act now to ensure the vital contributions of civil society organizations are protected and strengthened.

Your voice matters. Help us raise this urgent issue with the European Commission and protect the future of public health in Europe.

Thank you for standing with us.

Kind regards,
Dr. Tit Albreht, EUPHA President
Charlotte Marchandise, Executive Director

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Unsubscribe

If you would like unsubscribe from the EUPHA newsletter then please click here.