The complainant, a coalition of non-governmental organisations in the health sector, raised concerns with the European Commission about how it is handling operating grants under the 2025 EU4Health work programme. In particular, the complainant noted that the Commission has not launched any calls for operating grants under the 2025 EU4Health work programme. Following the intervention of the Ombudsman, the Commission replied to the complainant’s concerns, but the complainant was not satisfied with the reply.

The Ombudsman assessed the reply and found that the Commission had failed to properly keep the complainant and other interested organisations informed about the effect that budgetary cuts would have on operating grants. As a result, the organisations concerned were unable to adjust their expectations, plan their activities accordingly, and make informed decisions on how to manage their budget. The Ombudsman noted that this was not in line with standards of good administration.

The Ombudsman asked the Commission to provide a written reply to her assessment of the matter.