Serbia to gain access to EU health funding

The EU will sign an agreement on Serbia’s association with the EU4Health program, which will allow our country to benefit from funding from the program. According to the European Commission, Serbia’s health authorities and wider healthcare community will be able to benefit from the program on an equal footing with EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Varhelyi said that the agreement would further strengthen close cooperation between the EU and Serbia in the field of health and enable its healthcare system to respond to immediate needs and long-term goals.

- The agreement is further proof of the EU’s commitment to improving healthcare in the EU and beyond, in close cooperation with partners - said Varhelyi.

As stated, from January 1, both public and private healthcare entities in Serbia will have access to funding opportunities through open calls, direct grants and joint actions. The possibilities cover critical areas such as improving diagnosis, treatment and care for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, contributing to the European health data space, developing strategies for essential medicines and stockpiling medicines. There will also be a focus on strengthening mental health, especially for young people, as well as initiatives related to cross-border health threats.

The EU4Health program was adopted in response to the COVID pandemic and to increase preparedness for health crises in the EU.