No Child Left Behind: Prioritising Childhood Cancer in the Next EU Budget 

 Childhood cancer took centre stage at the European Parliament this September, as policymakers, researchers, advocates, and survivors gathered for the annual CCI Europe & SIOPE Gold September Policy Event, titled “No Child Left Behind: Prioritising Childhood Cancer in the Next EU Budget.” 

Co-hosted by MEPs Vlad Voiculescu (Renew, Romania) and Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia), the event carried a clear and urgent message: Europe must make stronger, more consistent investments in addressing childhood cancer:

“This is about putting your money where your mouth is,” said MEP Voiculescu,

calling on the EU to match its promises with real funding.

Looking Ahead to the Next EU Budget

Participants discussed what has worked well and what still needs to improve in EU cancer programmes. They agreed that children and adolescents with cancer need special attention in the next EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028 – 2034.

Delphine Heenen, founder of KickCancer and member of the CCI Europe Committee, said it is important to include paediatric oncology centres in the Comprehensive Cancer Network across Europe.

“To safeguard expertise and excellence in childhood cancer treatment and care, we need to integrate all paediatric oncology centres in the Comprehensive Cancer network across Europe,” she explained.

Health and Funding Go Hand in Hand

Dr. Enrique Terol, Health Counsellor of the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU, reminded the audience that a strong Europe depends on healthy people.

“There is no competitive and resilient EU without healthy European citizens,” he said. “That is why the next EU long-term budget must keep investing in healthcare.”

Supporting Civil Society and Patient Voices

Carina Schneider, patient advocate and Managing Director of CCI Europe, spoke about the key role of patient organisations in improving care and support.

“To be able to contribute to the European Health Union goals, ensuring stable and predictable EU funding for civil society organisations is essential,” she said.

A Europe That Truly Leaves No Child Behind

The event sent a clear message: Europe must make childhood cancer a priority. Policymakers, advocates, researchers, and survivors all shared the same goal: that every child with cancer in Europe should have access to high-quality care, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive support, no matter where they live.

If the EU wants to keep its promise to leave no child behind, it must provide long-term funding for childhood cancer care and research.