Joint Statement: Restore Operating Grants for Health Civil Society Under EU4Health

9 September 2026 – Brussels, Belgium

Mental Health Europe has joined 186 civil society organisations from across Europe in calling on the European Commission to restore meaningful and sustainable operating grants for health civil society under the 2026 EU4Health Work Programme and beyond. The call comes at a time when many civil society organisations are already facing shrinking resources and growing challenges to their ability to operate independently.

Health and patient organisations play an essential role in European democracy, bringing the voices and experiences of people and communities into policymaking and contributing independent expertise to EU health policies. Without adequate and predictable funding, their ability to participate meaningfully and independently in these processes is put at risk.

By signing the statement, Mental Health Europe stands with the wider health sector in calling for the reinstatement of EU4Health operating grants. A strong and independent civil society needs more than political recognition: it needs sustainable funding that enables organisations to represent communities, contribute expertise and hold decision-makers to account.