On 10 April, the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance — a coalition of over 30 health organisations, including the European Heart Network — addressed an open letter to the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen, urging immediate adoption of the 2025 EU4Health Work Plan and full-year operational funding for civil society organisations under existing Framework Partnership Agreements.
The letter highlights the critical role civil society plays in bridging policymaking and communities, especially in times of crisis. The ongoing delay in publishing the 2025 Work Plan threatens EU leadership in health and disrupts action on key priorities such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental health, preparedness, and health equity.
Without urgent action, public health NGOs risk downsizing or closure, leading to loss of expertise and weakened EU capacity to deliver on health commitments.