EURORDIS responds to the EU4Health 2025 Work Programme
July 202524 July 2025, Brussels – EURORDIS–Rare Diseases Europe expresses deep concern at the publication of the EU4Health 2025 Work Programme, which confirms that no operating grants have been made available for civil society organisations working in the field of health. Despite repeated calls from the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance, the European Commission has neither included core funding for health NGOs nor proposed any viable alternatives.
The Work Programme includes only a small number of action grants for which NGOs are eligible – and even these are often narrowly defined and thematically limited.
Responding to the release of the programme, Virginie Bros-Facer, Chief Executive Officer of EURORDIS, said:
It is deeply regrettable that the EU4Health 2025 Work Programme not only confirms the exclusion of operating grants for health NGOs, but also provides few – if any – alternative funding opportunities for civil society. They are long-standing partners to the EU and often fulfil roles embedded in legislation – contributing to regulatory and legislative processes, and ensuring that European public policies reflect lived experience. The absence of core funding now jeopardises this essential contribution. We fully support the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance’s long-running calls for urgent, full-year, and predictable support for organisations holding Framework Partnership Agreements.
Priorities such as crisis preparedness dominate the Work Programme, while inclusive, community-driven health approaches are notably absent. This creates a significant funding gap that jeopardises civil society’s essential contribution to European health policy.
As the EU understandably prioritises security and competitiveness in response to global challenges, it should also recognise the strategic role of civil society in advancing public health and contributing to a stronger, more resilient Europe. NGOs enhance the quality, inclusiveness, and impact of EU action – and their involvement is indispensable to the success of the European Health Union and wider social objectives.
About EURORDIS – Rare Diseases Europe
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe is a unique, non-profit alliance of over 1,000 rare disease organisations from 74 countries that work together to improve the lives of the 30 million people living with a rare disease in Europe. By connecting people, families, and rare disease groups, as well as by bringing together all stakeholders and mobilising the rare disease community, EURORDIS strengthens the patient voice and shapes research, policies, and services.
Contact
Julien Poulain
Communications and Policy Liaison Senior Manager
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
Julien.poulain@eurordis.org
+33 6 42 98 14 3