On 16 July, the European Commission published its proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), outlining major structural changes to how the EU will fund health, research, and innovation.
A central element of the proposal is the establishment of a new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)—a consolidated €410 billion instrument that would merge 14 current funding programmes, including EU4Health, into a more streamlined structure. This fund is intended to boost Europe’s strategic autonomy and global competitiveness, with one of its key focus areas being Health, Biotech, Bioeconomy, and Resilience.
The ECF will be organised around four main policy windows:
- Clean Transition and Industrial Decarbonisation
- Digital Leadership
- Health, Biotech, Bioeconomy and Resilience
- Defence and Space
The proposed integration of EU4Health into this broader fund raises questions about the future visibility and prioritisation of dedicated health initiatives. For the cancer imaging community, this development highlights the importance of continued advocacy to ensure that health research—particularly in AI-driven imaging, data infrastructure, and diagnostics—remains a priority within the new structure.
On a positive note, Horizon Europe will remain a standalone programme with a proposed budget of €175 billion. It will continue supporting scientific excellence across fields, including medical and cancer research, while aligning more strongly with the EU’s industrial and strategic objectives.
Horizon Europe is structured around four key pillars:
- Excellent Science
- Competitiveness and Society – including Health, Biotech, and EU Missions
- Digital Leadership
- European Research Area
The proposed allocation of €131 billion for defence highlights a significant shift in EU priorities. This reinforces the need for strong advocacy from the medical research community to ensure continued support for health research, particularly in medical imaging and biotechnology.
The plan also introduces a Single Rulebook to harmonise rules across funding schemes and reduce administrative burdens. A Strategic Stakeholder Board will be created to advise on priorities and guide the governance of the new fund.