The European Parliament adopted proposals to strengthen the availability of essential medicines in the EU, aiming to reduce dependence on non-EU countries and boost the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical industry. The report supports creating EU-based “strategic projects” to expand and modernise manufacturing, with priority access to EU and national funding, tied to obligations to supply the EU market.

MEPs call for procurement rules that favour medicines largely manufactured within the EU and promote voluntary cross-border joint procurement, especially for rare diseases, antimicrobials and high-cost treatments, with a lower minimum number of participating countries.

To better manage shortages, the report proposes improved coordination of national stockpiles and an EU mechanism to anticipate supply disruptions, including the possibility for the Commission to redistribute medicines between countries as a last resort.

Next steps: Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with EU governments on the final shape of the law.