On 11th March, the European Commission published its proposal the EU Critical Medicines Act is a legislative initiative aimed at addressing the European Union’s vulnerability to disruptions in the supply of critical medicines. The act focuses on ensuring the availability of essential drugs, particularly in situations of shortages or emergencies, by strengthening the resilience of supply chains. Key measures include enhancing the stockpiling of critical medicines, improving transparency and information-sharing among stakeholders, and promoting the development of more diversified supply sources. The goal is to safeguard public health by ensuring that life-saving medicines are consistently accessible, especially during crises like pandemics or geopolitical tensions.

Next Steps

The Critical Medicines Act will undergo scrutiny and potential amendments by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.