EuroHealthNet responds to the Targeted Consultation on the EU4Health Work Programme 2026
The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation to inform the priorities and strategic direction of the EU4Health Work Programme 2026. Open until 30 September 2025, the consultation invited feedback from national and regional health authorities, civil society, healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders to shape future EU action on public health.
EuroHealthNet, as a partnership of public health bodies committed to promoting health equity and reducing inequalities, welcomed the opportunity to contribute. Our response highlights that health promotion, disease prevention, and tackling health inequalities must be central to the 2026 programme. Despite EU4Health’s mandate, the 20% funding target for prevention has not been met, and key areas such as health education, physical activity, healthy environments, vaccination, and nutrition remain underfunded and fragmented.
We also emphasise the importance of treating climate and health as a strategic priority, addressing the growing health impacts of extreme weather, air pollution, and environmental degradation, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Our contribution calls for stronger investment, fairer funding allocation, and closer collaboration between public authorities and civil society to build resilient and equitable health systems. Prioritising prevention and equity will improve wellbeing, reduce long-term costs, and support Europe’s social and economic resilience.
