The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of national health systems and highlighted the urgent need for stronger, more resilient healthcare frameworks across Europe. In response, the EU4Health programme was launched to enhance crisis preparedness and tackle long-term health challenges in the European Union.
Established by Regulation (EU) 2021/522, EU4Health aims to complement the policies of individual Member States, bringing added value through collective action. The programme focuses on four overarching goals and ten specific objectives that work together to strengthen healthcare systems, protect citizens, and ensure access to essential health products.
EU4Health focuses on protecting people by preventing and responding to cross-border health threats, supporting national stockpiles of essential products, and establishing reserves of medical and healthcare staff. It also ensures the accessibility, availability, and affordability of vital medicinal products and medical devices during emergencies.
The programme strengthens health systems by enhancing health data, digital tools, and the transformation of healthcare services. It promotes better access to healthcare, supports the development of EU health legislation, and encourages collaboration among national health systems for a more integrated and effective approach to future health challenges.
Supported Actions in the EU & Eligible Non-EU Countries
EU4Health offers various funding opportunities to support health initiatives across the EU and eligible non-EU countries. These include open calls for proposals such as project grants for legal entities and international organizations, operating grants for NGOs, and direct grants for identified beneficiaries like the European Reference Networks. It also supports joint actions with health authorities nominated by the EU and non-EU countries, as well as contribution agreements with international organizations and EU bodies. Additional funding opportunities include procurement via framework contracts, open calls, and prizes. These actions are designed to foster collaboration and strengthen healthcare systems both within the EU and globally.
EU4Health offers two key pathways for applying for funding: Calls for Proposals and Calls for Tenders. Below, we break down the steps for each process, guiding you through the application journey with numbered steps for clarity.
Calls for Proposals
To apply for Calls for Proposals, follow these steps:
- Publication: Calls for proposals are published on the Funding and Tenders Portal (FTP) and HaDEA website.
- Submission: Submit your proposal via the FTP platform:
- Fill in Part A (administrative form) online.
- Download the templates for Part B (technical narrative and detailed budget table).
- Submit the full proposal before the deadline.
- Evaluation: HaDEA evaluates all submitted proposals.
- Notification: Information letters are sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants.
- Grant Agreement: A grant agreement is prepared for successful applicants.
- Project Start: After the grant is signed and partners are added, the project officially begins.
Calls for Tenders
For Calls for Tenders, follow these steps:
- Publication: Calls for tenders are published on the Funding and Tenders Portal (FTP) and HaDEA website.
- Submission: Submit your offer through the e-submission platform on the FTP:
- Carefully read the tender specifications and related annexes (procedure, requirements, and criteria).
- Prepare your technical and financial offer (no dedicated template available).
- Submit the offer by the deadline.
- Evaluation: HaDEA evaluates all submitted offers.
- Notification: Information letters are sent to both successful and unsuccessful tenderers.
- Contract Signing: A contract is signed with the successful tenderer, and the contract award notice is published.
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Published in GI-Mail 02/2025 (English edition).
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