North Macedonia joins EU4Health, gaining access to €4.4bn EU health programme

Health Minister Azir Aliu announced that North Macedonia will join the EU4Health programme on 24 June in Brussels, marking the first formal integration of the country's health reforms into the European framework. The accession confirms that recent domestic reforms are aligned with EU standards and opens the door for the nation to participate in calls, grants, public procurement, joint actions and partnerships under the programme.

EU4Health, funded with an operational budget of €4.4 billion for 2021‑2027, will allow North Macedonia to develop projects in digital health, the European Health Data Space, prevention, screening, mental health, crisis preparedness, access to medicines and medical devices, and the strengthening of the health workforce. The government’s next step is to build operational capacity and prepare concrete project applications, Aliu said, noting that the pandemic showed the need for European solidarity and coordinated health resources.