The approval today by the European Parliament gives the green light to the Parliament’s Report on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, presented by the Commission last November, aiming to ensure patients’ access to innovative and affordable medicines and to support the strategic autonomy, competitiveness, innovative capacity and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry. The Strategy aims to ensure that Europe is in a position to cover its pharmaceutical needs, including in times of crisis, through reinforced supply chains.

The Strategy further aims to enhance crisis preparedness and response mechanisms and lastly ensure a strong EU voice in the world, by promoting quality, efficacy and safety standards.

S&D negotiator, Alessandra Moretti MEP, said:

“We can be proud of the vote today and the approval of the report on the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. During the pandemic, health and consequently an effective healthcare and pharmaceutical system have clearly shown their central role in our society.

“Thanks to the European Pharmaceutical Strategy, we have put patients and all citizens’ rights back at the core, calling on both National and European authorities to live up to expectations.

“The time is right to set up a true European Health Union in which all citizens finally attain their right to a recognised quality public health service, with minimum standards guaranteed throughout Europe.

“Too many European citizens in too many European countries do not have equal access to a quality healthcare system, nor equal access to medicines. This is not acceptable.

“To this end, we must support research and innovation in order to ensure the strategic health autonomy of Europe. Furthermore, we need maximum transparency, traceability and conditionalities of public funds, especially when pharmaceutical companies have received funding for research and development. Pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement must become more transparent and prices must be linked to the real costs of research and development.

“We also need a major effort to link the Pharmaceutical Strategy to sustainable development and the Green Deal that remain our common European compass.”

S&D spokesperson on health issues, Jytte Guteland MEP, added:

“It is imperative that access to safe, effective and affordable medicines is ensured across all of Europe, for all citizens - no matter their citizenship or postcode. Ultimately, this is about ensuring good health for all and building a more resilient Europe together.

“The pandemic made it clear that Europe needs to strengthen its strategic independence so that we can prevent a situation where our citizens suffer from a shortage of basic medicines and life-saving medical devices.”