Brussels, 25 March 2024

The upcoming European elections will have a significant impact on the future of health policy in Europe. EU policies and decisions can shape national health systems and influence the health and well-being of millions of citizens across Europe.

The off patent medicines sector has a proven track record in delivering affordability, accessibility, and sustainability for European health systems. Close to 70% of medicines dispensed in Europe are off patent medicines, making our sector the largest contributor to patient access to medicines.

Medicines for Europe is launching its vision for the future of health policy in Europe, based on policy action in four key areas:

1.      LEAVE NO PATIENT BEHIND: Reform EU pharmaceutical laws for equitable access by fostering timely competition and sustainable uptake of generic, biosimilar and value added medicines.

2.      BUILD A MODERN REGULATORY NETWORK FOR THE 21st CENTURY: Digitalise, harmonise and automate the medicines regulatory framework.

3.      SECURE EUROPE’S MEDICINE MANUFACTURING: Invest in the off patent medicines manufacturing industry to make it more competitive, greener, and more digitally focused as well as enhancing its strategic autonomy.

4.      EMPOWER PROGRESS IN HEALTHCARE: Create a policy for affordable innovation in off-patent medicines.

Commenting on the launch of the Medicines for Europe election manifesto, Association President Elisabeth Stampa said “The 2024 EU elections come at a critical time for health policy. The world has completely changed since the 2019 elections. We have lived through a global pandemic and now witness war in Eastern Europe. The off patent medicines industry has mobilised to deliver in the toughest of times, but requires coherent policies to sustain our contribution to public health through access, affordable innovation and security of medicines supply. Only together will we deliver the best possible access to medicines and health equity in the European Health Union!”

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To read the full manifesto, please visit https://www.medicinesforeurope.com/manifesto-2024/

To learn more about the European elections, please visit https://elections.europa.eu/en/