EU Moves to Boost Drug Production and Cut External Dependence

The European Parliament and EU Member States have reached a provisional agreement on new rules aimed at improving the availability of critical medicines while strengthening the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector.

The measures focus on essential products such as antibiotics, insulin, vaccines and medicines for chronic conditions. The goal is to reduce reliance on non-EU countries and ensure a more stable supply for patients.

The agreement provides for the development of strategic industrial projects within the EU. Companies receiving national or European funding will be required to prioritize supply to the European market.

The new framework will also allow Member States to jointly procure medicines. The European Commission will be required to initiate procurement if at least five countries request it.

Producers of medicines or active substances based in the EU will receive preferential treatment in procurement processes. The measures also include faster authorization procedures for strategic projects.

Supporters of the agreement say it will strengthen the resilience of Europe’s healthcare system and reduce the risk of drug shortages. The proposal still requires approval from both the European Parliament and the EU Council.

(europarl, bak)