Budget Reductions Shake Up EU Health Research Agenda
The European Commission has significantly reduced the budget allocated to health-related research within Horizon Europe, its flagship funding programme for innovation. According to the latest draft of the 2026 and 2027 work programmes, the adjustments represent a 25% cut for 2026 and a 14% reduction for 2027 compared to figures circulated in earlier internal documents.
In real terms, the 2026 budget has dropped from €787.39 million to €594.24 million. For 2027, the allocation falls from €968.88 million to €829.44 million. These reductions affect key areas of research aimed at improving public health across the European Union, including mental health, vaccines, antimicrobial resistance, and the development of safer drug therapies.
The funding strategy now requires researchers to reevaluate their proposals, as priorities shift within the narrower financial scope of Horizon Europe’s final years.
Impact on One-Stage Calls and Project Themes
One-stage calls, which invite single-step submissions, are among the most impacted by the budget revision. In 2026, these calls will receive €456 million, €68 million less than initially expected. Funding will be directed toward a range of pressing health challenges, including:
- Research on the negative effects of digital technology on youth mental health
- Development of vaccines to counter future epidemics
- Elimination of ineffective or low-value medical practices
- Studies into gender-specific factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases
The shift continues into 2027, where the total budget for one-stage calls will be reduced by €98 million, landing at €414 million. Despite the decrease, the programme retains its focus on inclusion and innovation in areas such as:
- Promoting greater inclusion for individuals with disabilities
- Studying how climate-related exposures affect human health
- Developing next-generation antimicrobials to combat resistance
- Reducing adverse drug reactions through targeted interventions
These themes indicate that, even with reduced resources, the Commission is aiming to address wide-reaching health issues affecting both present and future generations.
More Resources for Two-Stage Calls in 2027
In contrast to the budget reductions elsewhere, two-stage calls in 2027 will receive a funding boost. These projects, which require an initial concept note followed by a full proposal, will now benefit from €190 million, an increase of €60 million compared to previous drafts.
A major addition to the two-stage agenda is a new focus on innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. This includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other chronic illnesses that pose a significant burden on health systems, families, and economies across Europe.
The allocation reflects a growing awareness of the need for advanced, safer, and more effective therapies, especially as current treatment options remain limited. By prioritizing this domain, the Commission aims to foster breakthroughs that could lead to long-term cost savings and improved quality of life for millions of European citizens.
A Tighter Path Ahead for Health R&D in Europe
The new budget outlook poses serious implications for health researchers, biotech companies, and public institutions that rely on Horizon Europe for support. While strategic topics remain a priority, the reduction in available funding could limit the number of projects supported or reduce the depth of research within each area.
These cuts arrive at a time when the European health landscape faces mounting challenges, including aging populations, rising antimicrobial resistance, and mental health crises exacerbated by digital and environmental stressors. Despite the reduced financial scope, the updated programme signals a targeted, though narrower, push toward impactful and inclusive health research.
As stakeholders adapt to the changing funding environment, the emphasis will likely shift toward cross-sector collaboration, outcome-based research, and efficiency in innovation. The final allocation decisions will shape not only what Europe researches but also how it positions itself in global health innovation.