The 2026 Work Programme recently presented by the European Commission is an ambitious plan that has already been described as “Europe’s Moment of Autonomy”.
In an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions, demographic challenges and rapid technological change, Europe is called upon to strengthen its competitiveness, safeguard its digital and industrial sovereignty, and build a strong innovation ecosystem capable of delivering solutions in Europe – for Europe.
For the health ecosystem, the new Programme opens up significant opportunities for funding, access to infrastructures, networking and strategic partnerships.
Key initiatives and how they directly impact innovation in health
Among other elements, the Commission’s Programme includes the following regulatory developments:
- The European Innovation Act, aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of innovation and facilitating easier access to capital.
- The Cloud & AI Development Act, which introduces a new regulatory framework for secure artificial intelligence and cloud applications in health.
- The European Research Area Act, designed to strengthen collaboration between research centres, businesses and industry.
At the same time, the strategy for a “fifth freedom of the Single Market — the freedom of knowledge” seeks to position Europe as the leading environment for research, innovation and open access to skills, data and technological infrastructures.
How healthcare organisations and companies in Greece can leverage these opportunities
2026 is expected to be a year in which:
- Funding will be directed towards projects that connect fields such as digital health, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare services.
- Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate clear clinical value, patient impact and economic benefit.
- Collaboration will be the key word, rather than standalone proposals.
- Innovation will be assessed based on its ability to translate into real solutions that reach the market.
The role of Health Hub in the 2026 Programme
The Hub’s free services support organisations and businesses in leveraging funding and collaboration opportunities in European projects, in order to deliver results with real impact on health. Acting as a collaboration accelerator and a trusted intermediary, the Hub offers, among other things:
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targeted information and early access to calls.
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strategic proposal preparation aligned with Programme priorities.
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networking with European partners through specialised events.
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access to advanced platforms for test before invest activities and for the evaluation of services and products.
2026 will be a transitional year for European innovation in health.
The goal of Health Hub is to ensure that Greece does not merely follow developments — but actively helps shape them.
Organisations and businesses that act early and engage in strategic collaborations with the Hub and its ecosystem will be the ones to define the next cycle of technological leadership — in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and care.