On 11 December 2025, the European Commission officially adopted the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme, marking the final – and particularly critical – phase of the current 2021–2027 programming period.
For the Greek health ecosystem, the Programme is not merely another funding opportunity. It is a clear “roadmap” outlining the direction of European health policy: prevention, resilience, digital transformation, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness.
The strategic priorities of the Health Programme
The new Health Programme is aligned with the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and the Commission’s Policy Guidelines for the 2024–2029 period. The main priorities running across all calls are:
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Addressing non-communicable diseases, with a focus on prevention, mental health and cardiovascular health
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Strengthening the resilience of health systems against pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and critical shortages of medicines
- The impact of climate change on health, both at population level and at the level of healthcare infrastructure
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The digitalisation of health and the use of data and AI, within the framework of the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
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Strengthening the European health industry, with an emphasis on biotechnology, advanced therapies and critical technologies
The six “Destinations” of the Health Cluster
The Health Programme 2026–2027 is structured around six core destinations, which also define the logic of the calls:
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Health in a rapidly changing society
This destination focuses on prevention, healthy behaviours and support for people with disabilities throughout their lifespan. Particular emphasis is placed on behavioural interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, especially among young people.
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Healthy living and working environments
This destination addresses the understanding and prediction of the health impacts of climate change, pollution and environmental exposures, as well as the development of climate-resilient and carbon-neutral health systems.
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Tackling diseases and reducing the burden of illness
This destination covers a wide spectrum, ranging from mental health in children and young people and long COVID, to vaccines, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, antimicrobials and cardiovascular innovation.
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Equal access to innovative and high-quality healthcare services
Focuses on new models of care, personalised medicine, the reduction of low-value interventions and the public procurement of innovative solutions (PPI, PCP).
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New tools, technologies and digital solutions
Includes AI, bioprinting, Virtual Human Twins, biomarkers, advanced testing methodologies (NAMs) and the interface between research and regulatory authorities.
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Competitive and sustainable European health industry
Aims to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen productive innovation in diagnostics, biological products and advanced therapies.
What changes in practice for participants
The new Health Programme is accompanied by significant simplifications:
- more lump sums,
- fewer but larger projects,
- increased use of two-stage calls,
- topics that are friendly to SMEs and newcomers.
At the same time, the participation of end users (patients, healthcare professionals, public authorities) is strongly encouraged, along with the use of real-world data and synergies with other European programmes (EU4Health, Digital Europe, ERDF).
A milestone programme for European health
Horizon Europe 2026–2027 in the field of Health acts as a catalyst: it closes a seven-year cycle of investments and at the same time lays the foundations for the next generation of health and innovation policies in Europe. The focus clearly shifts from fragmented research to solutions with measurable social, clinical and economic impact.
The role of Health Hub
Health Hub provides free support to Greek companies and healthcare organisations, helping them strategically leverage the opportunities of the Horizon Europe Health Programme 2026–2027. The Hub supports stakeholders in turning European priorities into projects with real impact on health, innovation and regional development through:
- timely and targeted information on relevant calls,
- strategic idea maturation and role mapping within consortia,
- connections with European networks and partners,
- access to testing infrastructures and test before invest services.
For more information, you can contact the Hub by email at info@healthhub-edih.eu