Formal complaint about the lack of EU4Health operating grants

2 September 2025

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) has joined a coalition of 25 health and patient advocacy civil society organisations submitted a formal complaint to the European Commission regarding the withholding of 2025 EU4Health operating grants. 

Despite valid Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) for 2025-2026 signed in late 2024, no 2025 operating grant call has been published. Operating grants represented just about 1% of EU4Health in 2024, but are key in supporting the work of health civil society organisations. Their sudden disappearance, and the weakened predictability and stability of EU funding, jeopardises the very fabric of European cooperation in health policy. 

CSA members therefore call on European Commission President Von der Leyen, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner Piotr Serafin and Commissioner Michael McGrath to act with urgency: 

1. Publish the 2025 EU4Health operating grant call. 
2. Restore and guarantee operating grant support for all FPA holders, with a disbursement calendar by 30 September 2025. 
3. Engage with civil society to ensure transparency, participation, and administrative integrity in future funding cycles. 

Read the letter