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Strategic Analysis
This RIA call demands a systems-level approach to low-value care, combining comparative effectiveness research with pilot interventions that are scalable across EU health systems. Winning proposals will demonstrate multi-stakeholder co-design (providers, policymakers, patients) and quantifiable efficiency gains while maintaining or improving patient outcomes and health equity. Environmental sustainability must be explicitly addressed as a co-benefit of reduced low-value care.
Key differentiators will be cross-country transferability, digital enablement (e.g., EHDS integration), and alignment with EU policies like the European Care Strategy and Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
Develop a deeper understanding of how low-value care can be identified and measured throughout the healthcare process, including testing related indicators and producing evidence-based methodologies that enable the pursuit of improved efficiency and quality of care.
Identify instances of overuse, misuse, underuse and unwarranted variation in specific healthcare contexts across different stages of the healthcare process. This analysis should provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers and healthcare professionals to evaluate the potential of possible strategies for reducing low-value care, allowing for more informed decision-making and improved care practices.
Develop and/or pilot innovative strategies for effective reduction of low-value care in specific settings across the care pathway. These pilots should demonstrate scalability and transferability across diverse health and care systems in Europe.
Healthcare providers and policymakers make use of evidence-based indicators and methodologies to identify low-value care [1] practices, as well as opportunities for improvement and tools to monitor such improvements.
Healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement guidelines for reducing or discontinuing low-value care activities and maintaining effective and patient-centred practices that ensure quality of care.
Patients and citizens benefit from more effective healthcare, by understanding and endorsing measures that reduce low-value care, recognising the potential to achieve higher-quality healthcare and better health outcomes overall.
Health and care systems benefit from a reduction of low-value care practices, which enables enhanced patient safety and quality of care, while contributing to their efficiency as well as fiscal and environmental sustainability.
Health and social care services and systems have improved governance mechanisms, making them more effective, efficient, accessible, resilient, trusted and sustainable, from fiscal, organisational and environmental perspectives. This includes shifting from hospital-centred to community-based, people-centred and integrated healthcare structures, embedding technological innovations and prioritising health promotion and disease prevention and management.
Healthcare providers are trained and equipped with the skills and competences needed for future healthcare systems that are modernised, digitally transformed and equipped with safe innovative tools, technologies and digital solutions for healthcare. This will involve better patient management, improved patient engagement and health outcomes, reorganised workflows, and improved resource management.
Citizens play a key role in managing their own healthcare, informal carers (including unpaid carers) are fully supported (e.g. by preventing overburdening and economic stress) and the specific needs of groups in a vulnerable situation are recognised and addressed. This includes improved access to healthcare services, financial risk protection, timely access to quality healthcare services including essential medicines and vaccines.
Health policy and systems adopt a holistic approach -considering individuals, communities, organisations, society- in evaluating health outcomes, public health interventions, healthcare organisation, and decision-making. They benefit from evidence based, scalable and transferable healthcare solutions (e.g. between countries and healthcare settings) including for addressing health inequalities and ensuring environmental and climate sustainability in the health sector.
Horizon Europe’s strategic plan 2025-2027
highThe Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 outlines the EU’s key research and innovation priorities for the final phase of the Horizon Europe programme. It focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and health, while reinforcing the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. The plan emphasizes mission-driven research, cross-sectoral collaboration, and alignment with broader EU policies like the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate clear alignment with the plan’s key strategic orientations, particularly in health-related clusters (e.g., Cluster 1: Health). Proposals should highlight how they contribute to the plan’s expected outcomes, such as improving health system efficiency, reducing inequalities, or advancing digital health solutions. Strong proposals will also show how they address the plan’s cross-cutting priorities, such as sustainability, inclusiveness, and international cooperation.
European Care Strategy
highThe European Care Strategy aims to ensure quality, affordable, and accessible care services across the EU. It addresses challenges in long-term care, childcare, and support for informal carers, while promoting fair working conditions for care professionals. The strategy is built on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and seeks to improve the well-being of both care recipients and providers.
Evaluators expect proposals to explicitly address how they contribute to reducing low-value care practices in formal and informal care settings. Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the strategy’s goals, such as improving care quality, accessibility, and sustainability, and how their solutions align with these objectives. Evidence of stakeholder engagement (e.g., care providers, patients, policymakers) and a focus on equity and affordability will strengthen the proposal.
Digital transformation of health and care in the EU
highThis policy framework promotes the use of digital technologies to improve health and care outcomes, enhance patient empowerment, and increase the efficiency of health systems. It focuses on areas such as electronic health records, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. The framework aligns with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and supports the EU’s Digital Decade targets.
Evaluators expect proposals to leverage digital tools (e.g., AI, data analytics, or digital platforms) to identify and reduce low-value care. Proposals should demonstrate how digital solutions will improve care quality, reduce waste, or enhance decision-making in health systems. Alignment with the EHDS, interoperability standards, and ethical considerations (e.g., data privacy, cybersecurity) is essential. Proposals should also address scalability and real-world implementation challenges.
European Health Data Space (EHDS)
highThe European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a framework for the secure and interoperable exchange of health data across the EU. It aims to empower patients, support research and innovation, and improve health system efficiency. The EHDS focuses on primary and secondary use of health data, with strong safeguards for data privacy and security.
Evaluators expect proposals to leverage health data to identify and address low-value care practices, such as unnecessary treatments or inefficiencies in care pathways. Proposals should demonstrate how they will use health data ethically and securely, in line with EHDS principles, to improve care quality and reduce waste. Alignment with interoperability standards, data governance frameworks, and patient empowerment initiatives is essential.
EU4Health Programme (2021-2027)
highThe EU4Health Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for health, with a budget of €5.3 billion for 2021-2027. It aims to improve health outcomes, strengthen health system resilience, and address cross-border health threats. The programme focuses on areas such as disease prevention, digital health, and access to affordable medicines, while supporting the implementation of EU health policies.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how they align with EU4Health’s objectives, particularly in improving health system efficiency and reducing low-value care. Proposals should show how they contribute to the programme’s focus areas, such as digital health, health promotion, or crisis preparedness. Evidence of sustainability, scalability, and policy impact will strengthen the proposal, as will alignment with other EU health initiatives.
European Pillar of Social Rights
mediumThe European Pillar of Social Rights is a set of 20 principles aimed at delivering fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems in the EU. It covers areas such as equal opportunities, fair working conditions, and access to essential services, including health and long-term care. The Pillar serves as a compass for EU social policy and is implemented through initiatives like the European Care Strategy.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how they contribute to the Pillar’s principles, particularly those related to access to quality and affordable health care (Principle 16) and long-term care (Principle 18). Proposals should show how they address inequalities in care delivery and ensure that solutions are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the Pillar’s social objectives. Evidence of stakeholder involvement and policy relevance will strengthen the proposal.
Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe
mediumThe Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe aims to ensure access to affordable, innovative, and safe medicines while supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU pharmaceutical industry. It addresses challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, medicine shortages, and the need for patient-centric innovation. The strategy also promotes digital transformation and regulatory modernization in the pharmaceutical sector.
Evaluators expect proposals to address low-value pharmaceutical care, such as overprescribing, inappropriate use of medicines, or inefficiencies in drug procurement and distribution. Proposals should demonstrate how they align with the strategy’s goals of improving affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in pharmaceutical care. Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, regulators, industry) and a focus on patient outcomes will strengthen the proposal.
Strategy for European Life Sciences
mediumThe Strategy for European Life Sciences aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in life sciences research, innovation, and industrial competitiveness. It focuses on areas such as biotechnology, personalized medicine, and digital health, while addressing challenges like regulatory complexity and market fragmentation. The strategy supports the translation of research into tangible health benefits for citizens.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how they contribute to the strategy’s goals, such as advancing innovative solutions to reduce low-value care (e.g., precision medicine, digital diagnostics). Proposals should highlight their potential to drive industrial competitiveness, improve patient outcomes, and address regulatory or market barriers. Collaboration with industry, research institutions, and policymakers is encouraged.
European Green Deal
mediumThe European Green Deal is the EU’s roadmap for making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It encompasses policies and initiatives across sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and health, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainability, and protect biodiversity. The Green Deal also emphasizes a just transition, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the environmental sustainability of health and care systems, particularly how reducing low-value care can contribute to the Green Deal’s goals (e.g., reducing waste, improving resource efficiency). Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions align with circular economy principles, climate neutrality targets, or sustainable procurement practices in health care.
Commission's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029
mediumThe Commission’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 outline the priorities of the European Commission for the next five years. Key focus areas include a competitive and innovative Europe, a green and digital transition, and a stronger social Europe. The guidelines emphasize health resilience, digital transformation, and addressing inequalities as cross-cutting priorities.
Evaluators expect proposals to align with the guidelines’ priorities, particularly in health resilience and digital transformation. Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable health system, with a focus on reducing inefficiencies and improving care quality. Evidence of scalability, policy relevance, and alignment with broader EU objectives will strengthen the proposal.
EU strategy on adaptation to climate
lowThe EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change aims to make Europe more resilient to the impacts of climate change by improving knowledge, planning, and implementation of adaptation measures. It focuses on sectors such as health, infrastructure, and agriculture, and promotes nature-based solutions and climate-proofing of policies and investments. The strategy is a key component of the European Green Deal.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the intersection of climate adaptation and health care, particularly how low-value care practices may exacerbate or be exacerbated by climate-related challenges (e.g., resource inefficiencies, increased demand for care). Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to climate resilience in health systems, such as reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, or integrating climate considerations into care delivery models.
1. Admissibility conditions — , proposal page limit and layout Admissibility conditions are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout are described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — In recognition of the opening of the US National Institutes of Health’s programmes to European researchers, any legal entity established in the United States of America is eligible to receive Union funding. If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. Other eligibility conditions are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — The thresholds for each criterion will be 4 (Excellence), 4 (Impact) and 4 (Implementation). The cumulative threshold will be 12. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. Legal and financial set-up of the grants are described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application and evaluation forms and
Application and evaluation form templates Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) - the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) - will be used with the necessary adaptations Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreement (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions Information on clinical studies (HE) Additional documents HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Develop a deeper understanding of how low-value care can be identified and measured throughout the healthcare process, including testing related indicators and producing evidence-based methodologies that enable the pursuit of improved efficiency and quality of care. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Identify instances of overuse, misuse, underuse and unwarranted variation in specific healthcare contexts across different stages of the healthcare process. This analysis should provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers and healthcare professionals to evaluate the potential of possible strategies for reducing low-value care, allowing for more informed decision-making and improved care practices. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Develop and/or pilot innovative strategies for effective reduction of low-value care in specific settings across the care pathway. These pilots should demonstrate scalability and transferability across diverse health and care systems in Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Healthcare providers and policymakers make use of evidence-based indicators and methodologies to identify low-value care [1] practices, as well as opportunities for improvement and tools to monitor such improvements. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement guidelines for reducing or discontinuing low-value care activities and maintaining effective and patient-centred practices that ensure quality of care. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Patients and citizens benefit from more effective healthcare, by understanding and endorsing measures that reduce low-value care, recognising the potential to achieve higher-quality healthcare and better health outcomes overall. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Health and care systems benefit from a reduction of low-value care practices, which enables enhanced patient safety and quality of care, while contributing to their efficiency as well as fiscal and environmental sustainability. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Health and social care services and systems have improved governance mechanisms, making them more effective, efficient, accessible, resilient, trusted and sustainable, from fiscal, organisational and environmental perspectives. This includes shifting from hospital-centred to community-based, people-centred and integrated healthcare structures, embedding technological innovations and prioritising health promotion and disease prevention and management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Healthcare providers are trained and equipped with the skills and competences needed for future healthcare systems that are modernised, digitally transformed and equipped with safe innovative tools, technologies and digital solutions for healthcare. This will involve better patient management, improved patient engagement and health outcomes, reorganised workflows, and improved resource management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Citizens play a key role in managing their own healthcare, informal carers (including unpaid carers) are fully supported (e.g. by preventing overburdening and economic stress) and the specific needs of groups in a vulnerable situation are recognised and addressed. This includes improved access to healthcare services, financial risk protection, timely access to quality healthcare services including essential medicines and vaccines. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Health policy and systems adopt a holistic approach -considering individuals, communities, organisations, society- in evaluating health outcomes, public health interventions, healthcare organisation, and decision-making. They benefit from evidence based, scalable and transferable healthcare solutions (e.g. between countries and healthcare settings) including for addressing health inequalities and ensuring environmental and climate sustainability in the health sector. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1horizon europe strategic plan 2025-2027The Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 outlines the EU’s key research and innovation priorities for the final phase of the Horizon Europe programme. It focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and health, while reinforcing the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. The plan emphasizes mission-driven research, cross-sectoral collaboration, and alignment with broader EU policies like the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european care strategyThe European Care Strategy aims to ensure quality, affordable, and accessible care services across the EU. It addresses challenges in long-term care, childcare, and support for informal carers, while promoting fair working conditions for care professionals. The strategy is built on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and seeks to improve the well-being of both care recipients and providers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3digital transformation of health and care in the euThis policy framework promotes the use of digital technologies to improve health and care outcomes, enhance patient empowerment, and increase the efficiency of health systems. It focuses on areas such as electronic health records, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. The framework aligns with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and supports the EU’s Digital Decade targets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4european health data spaceThe European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a framework for the secure and interoperable exchange of health data across the EU. It aims to empower patients, support research and innovation, and improve health system efficiency. The EHDS focuses on primary and secondary use of health data, with strong safeguards for data privacy and security. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5eu4health programme 2021-2027The EU4Health Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for health, with a budget of €5.3 billion for 2021-2027. It aims to improve health outcomes, strengthen health system resilience, and address cross-border health threats. The programme focuses on areas such as disease prevention, digital health, and access to affordable medicines, while supporting the implementation of EU health policies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
No EU-wide consensus on how to define, measure, or monitor low-value care, leading to fragmented approaches and limited comparability across health systems. Existing indicators are often disease-specific or context-dependent.
Significant cross-country and intra-country variation in the use of low-value care, driven by payment incentives, cultural norms, provider preferences, and patient expectations. This variation undermines equity and efficiency.
Healthcare providers and patients often cling to established practices due to habit, fear of litigation, financial incentives, or misaligned expectations. Effective de-implementation requires behavioral change strategies and system-level support.
Low-value care contributes to unnecessary resource use, waste, and carbon emissions (e.g., single-use equipment, energy-intensive procedures). This conflicts with EU Green Deal and climate adaptation goals.
Many health systems lack interoperable data infrastructure to track low-value care in real time. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) offers opportunities but requires standardized data models and privacy-preserving analytics.
Clinicians, nurses, and allied health professionals who deliver care and can adopt de-implementation strategies. Focus on high-volume specialties (e.g., radiology, surgery, general practice) and professional societies for dissemination.
National/regional health authorities, insurers, and HTA bodies responsible for guidelines, payment models, and quality monitoring. Target those shaping EU4Health and EHDS implementation.
Individuals receiving care and organizations representing them (e.g., chronic disease groups). Focus on shared decision-making and health literacy to reduce demand for low-value care.
Leaders in hospitals and care networks responsible for resource allocation, workflow redesign, and quality improvement initiatives.
Family members or friends providing unpaid care, who may influence or be affected by changes in care practices (e.g., reduced hospitalizations).
Groups at risk of underuse of high-value care or overuse of low-value care due to access barriers or systemic inequities.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Demonstrate cost savings from reduced low-value care, enabling reallocation of resources to high-value services and financial sustainability of health systems.
Quantify the carbon footprint reduction from eliminating low-value care (e.g., fewer unnecessary procedures, reduced waste). Align with EU Green Deal and climate adaptation goals.
Reduce harms from overuse (e.g., unnecessary surgeries, radiation exposure) and underuse of high-value care, leading to better health outcomes and patient trust.
Address systemic inequities by reducing unwarranted variation in care, ensuring consistent access to high-value services across regions and socioeconomic groups.
Develop interoperable tools and data standards for tracking low-value care, supporting EHDS implementation and real-time decision-making.
Enhance clinical decision-making through training and decision-support tools, reducing reliance on low-value practices and improving workforce satisfaction.
Empower patients to recognize and avoid low-value care through shared decision-making tools and health literacy programs, fostering trust in health systems.