Dimitris Tsiodras is calling for the maintenance of a dedicated fund for public health in the next EU budget, as a successor to the EU4Health program, through a written question submitted to the European Commission.

He also asks the Commission how it intends to ensure adequate funding for public health during the 2028–2034 programming period, with the aim of building a genuine European Health Union that benefits all citizens.

The MEP and spokesperson for the European People’s Party delegation of New Democracy emphasizes that the Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 does not include a separate fund for public health. He points out that merging health together with biotechnology into the broader Competitiveness Fund raises concerns about the lack of prioritization of the public health sector.

At the same time, he notes that in a recent report, the European Parliament reaffirmed its belief that the next MFF “must build on the work carried out during the current programming period, ensuring that the necessary investments are made to create a genuine European Health Union that benefits all citizens.”

Tsiodras concludes by stressing the need to strengthen investments in public health, preserve their “autonomy” within the next seven-year EU budget, and prevent them from being absorbed by other conflicting objectives.

Text of the question:

Written question to the European Commission
Subject: Ensuring adequate funding for public health within the framework of the new Multiannual Financial Framework

The Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 does not include a separate fund for public health, as a successor to the EU4Health program.

The inclusion of health, together with biotechnology, in the broader Competitiveness Fund raises concerns about the lack of prioritization of the public health sector.

It should be recalled that in a recent report, the European Parliament stressed its conviction that the next MFF “must build on the work carried out during the current programming period, ensuring that the necessary investments are made to create a genuine European Health Union that benefits all citizens.”

In light of the above, the Commission is asked:

1. How does it intend to ensure adequate funding in the next MFF for public health and for the creation of a genuine European Health Union that benefits all citizens?
2. How will it ensure that investments in public health are strengthened, maintain their autonomy within the next MFF, and are not absorbed by other conflicting objectives?