The European Commission proposed legislation on Tuesday to prevent shortages of critical medicines in the EU by diversifying supply chains and boosting domestic pharmaceutical production.
In recent years, Member States have faced severe medicine shortages, the Commission noted, adding that global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the EU’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The legislation aims to provide easier access to funding and accelerated administrative and scientific support for industrial projects related to critical medicines or their ingredients.
Public procurement will require buyers to include more requirements, such as diversifying sources of inputs and monitoring supply chains. It will also favour criteria that promote the production of critical medicines within the EU if there is a heavy reliance on one country or a limited number of countries.
The Commission will support joint public procurements by Member States and explore partnerships with like-minded countries to expand the supply chain.
This proposal complements other measures aimed at addressing medicine shortages in the EU, including pharmaceutical reforms currently being negotiated between the European Parliament and the European Council.
