Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, with a total budget of almost EUR 2 trillion (equivalent to approximately 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income on average over the period). According to the European Commission, the proposed framework aims to provide Europe with a long-term investment capacity aligned with its ambition to build a more independent, prosperous, secure and competitive society and economy over the coming decade.
Health policy within the proposed MFF is primarily addressed through the newly established European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which brings together 14 existing EU programmes, including EU4Health, into a single funding instrument.
The establishment of the ECF reflects a broader shift in the EU’s approach to health-related investments, with a stronger focus on competitiveness, innovation, strategic autonomy and industrial resilience. In particular, the Fund aims to support biotechnology and bioeconomy innovation by fostering the development, deployment and scale-up of sustainable health and bio-based technologies. While the Commission proposal recognises health as a strategic priority within the ECF, it does not define a dedicated allocation for health-related actions, leaving uncertainty regarding the future level of EU investment in public health priorities.
This approach marks a departure from the previous model of a standalone EU4Health programme, which provided dedicated and predictable funding for public health objectives and specific policy priorities. Instead, health funding would become part of a broader competitiveness-driven framework, seeking to strengthen Europe’s innovation capacity, resilience and industrial base while addressing strategic challenges across multiple sectors.
Both co-legislators are currently developing their respective positions on the Commission’s proposal.
On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted an interim report on the 2028–2034 MFF, setting out its priorities ahead of negotiations with the Council. Parliament called for an increase in the proposed allocation for the ECF from EUR 207 billion to EUR 234 billion, while stressing that the consolidation of programmes should not undermine dedicated funding for key policy priorities. In particular, it called for a ring-fenced EU4Health budget of EUR 10 billion and underlined the importance of safeguarding investment in health research and innovation through Horizon Europe. In parallel, ten European Parliament committees, led by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), are preparing opinions on specific components of the ECF, which will feed into Parliament’s final position on the Commission’s MFF proposal.
On the Council side, in June 2026, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU circulated its comprehensive Negotiating Box for the 2028–2034 MFF, intended to support political convergence ahead of a final agreement on the EU’s long-term budget by the end of 2026. The document has raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly due to the absence of ring-fenced funding for health priorities and the possibility of reductions affecting competitiveness, research and innovation investments, including health-related funding.
The coming months will therefore remain critical for stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts to ensure that health continues to be recognised as a strategic priority within the next EU budget.
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