30 January 2026

European doctors emphasise that investing in health underpins competitiveness in meeting with Commissioner Várhelyi

In a meeting with Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, CPME underlined that health is the fundamental underpinning of competitiveness and growth.

CPME stressed that preserving health-specific funds like EU4Health as a standalone, ring-fenced programme with adequate and predictable funding is essential to safeguarding health and Europe’s crisis preparedness. EU4Health, the European Union’s main funding programme for health, is not included in the proposal for next EU long-term budget from 2028 to 2034.

CPME President, Dr Ole Johan Bakke, said "Investing in health is not a cost, but a long-term investment in the EU’s future. A healthier Europe is a stronger, more united Europe. By making health a central pillar of its next budget, the EU can lead by example in promoting equity, resilience, and shared prosperity. A resilient and properly funded health care sector is a prerequisite for achieving the ambitions for economic growth, innovation and prosperity in Europe.

"The EU4Health programme has made an important first step on crisis response, digital innovation, prevention and addressing workforce policies, and any cuts or downgrading would risk reversing progress.

"The health workforce is the largest employment sector in the EU and the foundation for a competitive economy. We therefore call on the European institutions to prioritise sustained investment in the health, healthcare and health systems including the workforce as a foundation for a competitive and resilient Europe."

CPME's delegation, which also included Vice President Dr Jacqueline Rossant-Lumbroso and Secretary General Sarada Das, highlighted the Charter of Rome as a vital contribution to the ongoing negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. The Charter sets out that the funding of health policy should be considered an investment, rather than expenditure; and it should be considered a strategic priority, similar to defence funding.

The Charter of Rome was initiated by the Italian Medical Association (FNOMCeO) and CPME is supporting its dissemination. FNOMCeO President Dr Fillippo Anelli and a delegation of representatives joined the meeting and provided a national perspective on the benefits of European investment in health.

CPME previously met with Commissioner Várhelyi last year to discuss European doctors' policy priorities for his incoming mandate.