Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate emergencies and wars have exposed the fragility of access to healthcare in Europe. For more than 200 million people living with allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), disruptions in care, medicine shortages, cybersecurity attacks and overwhelmed health systems are life-threatening.
As the current EU long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), is coming to an end in 2027, discussions are underway to define the next budget cycle (2028–2034). The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is urging EU decision-makers to seize this opportunity and strengthen healthcare systems in Europe through targeted investments. This will help our region’s resilience, while better supporting the most vulnerable patients during emergencies.
On 7 May, EFA submitted responses to two of the European Commission’s public consultations on the future of EU funding:
- EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and response to crises, and
- EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity, young people, media, culture, creative sectors, values, and civil society
In both consultations, EFA called for urgent prioritisation of health preparedness, emergency response and long-term support for health civil society organisations. As the world faces complex risks such as pandemics, climate-driven disasters and conflicts, the next EU budget must be equipped to protect people living with chronic diseases, including respiratory conditions.
EFA’s recommendations to strengthen health in the next EU budget
Protecting patient safety and access to care during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how quickly health systems can be overwhelmed. EFA emphasised the importance of resilient supply chains to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines and medical devices during emergencies. We called for comprehensive risk assessments, contingency planning, and public communication strategies to address threats such as respiratory pathogens, chemical hazards, and climate-driven events. Maintaining high standards of information, even during crises, is also critical. The challenges around food labelling arising as a collateral problem due to the war in Ukraine demonstrated how weakened safeguards can directly impact vulnerable patients.
Strengthening healthcare systems. Europe’s healthcare systems face mounting pressures from its ageing populations, workforce shortages, and disruptions during multifaceted crises. EFA advocated for investments to address vulnerabilities, ensure continuity of care for chronic disease patients and enhance digital healthcare tools. We also flagged cybersecurity as a growing concern, as health systems must be equipped to protect patient data and privacy and ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of cyber threats.
Addressing the health impacts of climate change. Evidence shows that patients with respiratory conditions are disproportionately affected by the health risks linked to climate change. Rising temperatures, wildfires, floods, and increased pollen levels not only exacerbate chronic conditions but also contribute to avoidable deaths. We called for the EU’s next long-term budget to fund adaptation strategies such as improved forecasting, early warning systems, and national heat-health action plans. Collaboration between the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) should also be strengthened to coordinate cross-border responses to climate-driven health crises.
Supporting health civil society organisations. In our response to the second consultation, EFA highlighted the crucial role of health civil society organisations in shaping and delivering public health policy. We called on the EU to provide long-term, sustainable funding to support:
- Tackling workforce shortages, especially in healthcare
- Ensuring access to quality media content so citizens can understand and trust public health information
- Promoting civic engagement and empowering people to participate meaningfully in the democratic process
Health civil society organisations are essential partners to the EU and national institutions. We serve as a bridge between policy and patients, upholding high governance standards and representing the genuine priorities. We ensure that every citizen’s right to participate in the democratic life of the Union is upheld and that no patient’s voice is left unheard.
To find out more, read our responses to the consultations:
- EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and response to crises here.
- EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity, young people, media, culture, creative sectors, values, and civil society here.