EU Considers Phasing Out funding for Major Global Health Initiatives
Brussels – The European Union is signaling a potential shift away from long-term funding commitments to key global health organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine alliance, and the Global Fund, mirroring a move by the United States to reduce its financial contributions. Internal EU documents reveal a forthcoming budget prioritizing private sector investment and national interests amid “intensification of geopolitical rivalries and uncertainty,” raising concerns about the future of critical health programs in low- and middle-income countries.
The potential change in EU policy coincides with sunset clauses for funding for both Gavi and the Global Fund,set to expire with the EU’s next long-term budget,the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. While the EU maintains it will continue “open and frank collaboration” with these organizations, the focus will shift towards “resource reduction and paradigm shift towards country ownership, health integration and health systems strengthening” locally. This signals a move away from direct financial support towards encouraging self-sufficiency and localized healthcare solutions.
Gavi itself acknowledges the lack of a clear alternative to its programs, upon which many developing nations currently rely. A planning report published in April outlined a long-term goal to “make oneself useless” by bolstering vaccination autonomy within beneficiary countries, though a concrete timeline remains undefined. Recent fundraising efforts by Gavi in June secured $9.5 billion (8.1 billion euros) for the 2026-2030 period,including $360 million from the EU – falling short of its $11.9 billion objective. The Global Fund is scheduled to hold a similar funding conference at the end of November.
The EU Commission stated it will prioritize mobilizing investments from the European private sector in the next budget cycle, reflecting a broader strategic realignment. This shift follows earlier cuts to foreign aid programs by the Trump administration, which presented challenges for the EU in maintaining funding levels for global health initiatives.
