SIOPE & CCI Europe Joint Statement
The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) and Childhood Cancer International – Europe (CCI-E) welcome the European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and urge the EU to keep childhood cancer a priority. There is now an opportunity to build on the progress enabled by Europe’s sustained EU investment to date to close persistent inequalities faced by childhood cancer patients in access to care, innovation, and survivorship support across Member States. We call for precise information on how the health policy window will be prioritised and adequately resourced in the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). Addressing childhood cancer, a rare life-threatening disease, is an area of strategic relevance within this instrument. There is a strong need to accelerate equitable access to standard-of-care treatment and services that address the long-term needs of survivors.
We welcome the increased funding proposed for the Horizon Europe programme and we urge policymakers to take this opportunity to strengthen the EU’s position as a leader in childhood cancer research globally and prioritise their efforts in an area where EU action is more effective than Member States acting alone.
Persistent inequalities across the EU require urgent, coordinated action to close survival gaps and improve quality of life for all children with cancer. The next MFF is the opportunity for the EU to renew its political commitment in this regard.
SIOPE & CCI Europe Joint Position Paper
📄 Read the full Position Paper
In the position paper “Prioritising Childhood Cancer Care and Research in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034,” the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) and Childhood Cancer International – Europe (CCI-E) outline our detailed policy asks. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in children over one year old in Europe, with 35,000 new diagnoses and 6,000 lost lives annually, and survival rate differences of up to 20% between Western and Eastern European countries. Concerted action in key strategic areas is needed to address the needs of children and young people with cancer across the EU. Key Policy Recommendations include:
- Support European childhood cancer networks (e.g. ITCC, SIOPE Clinical Research Council) which run the clinical trials essential to improving survival and reducing long-term treatment toxicity
- Ensure long-term sustainability and national integration of ERN PaedCan to reduce inequalities in access to high quality care and standard of care treatment.
- Recognise and expand specific Comprehensive Childhood Cancer Infrastructures within the existing ERN PaedCan structure
- Unlock opportunities to enhance childhood cancer care and research through effective implementation of the EHDS and building European infrastructures that facilitate access to comprehensive childhood cancer data
- Enhance survivorship services including follow up care models, psychosocial support throughout the treatment and recovery journey and promoting survivorship research.
The MFF 2028–2034 presents a crucial opportunity to reinforce the EU’s leadership in paediatric oncology, drive innovation, and reduce inequalities safeguarding the health and potential of future generations. Collectively, these elements will reinforce the political resolve across Europe to restore its competitive edge and ensure prosperity.