The Public Health Programme is an essential tool for translating EU strategy on health into concrete actions.

The participation of candidate countries in EU programmes is an important part of the pre-accession strategy. Candidate countries are given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the EU's policies and ways of working. Experts in these countries have the possibility to meet experts from the Member States and work together towards common goals.

Acceding countries

Acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania participate fully in the Public Health Programme.


How can candidate countries participate in the programme?

The Public Health Programme publishes each year a Call for proposals. The Call invites interested organisations to submit proposals in areas specified in the annual work plan for Public Health.

In order to participate in the Programme, each candidate country has firstly to express its interest to do so. The government of the country concerned and the Commission will then have to conclude a so-called Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This lays down the practical terms of participation in a programme.

Organisations in the Candidate Countries which have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Health Programme can submit proposals as main or associated partners. Candidate Countries which have not yet signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Health Programme can participate in proposals as collaborating partners or subcontractors.

Click here to find the Call for proposals and relevant documents for submitting a proposal.