Several European governments have announced cuts to the Global Fund at a recent fundraising summit in South Africa, signaling a shift away from their historically strong support for global health initiatives. The European Union did not commit to a specific amount, as negotiations for its long-term budget for 2028–2034 are still ongoing, meaning the total contributions may not be finalized until 2027. Shifting political priorities and competing pressures have led to both reduced investment and diminished European leadership in the global health sector.
High-level European representatives, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron, were notably absent from the summit. Von der Leyen attended a G20 meeting in Johannesburg on the same day. The absence of these leaders underscores the reduced engagement of Europe in the global health agenda.
The Global Fund, which holds a replenishment event every three years to secure new donor funding, has raised $11.34 billion in initial pledges—well below its $18 billion target. Some countries, including Sweden and the EU, have yet to confirm their exact contributions, leaving a significant funding gap.
Civil society organizations have expressed disappointment at Europe’s fading commitment, warning that these shortfalls could hinder global efforts to combat major health challenges, including HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
