European Patientsโ€™ Forum developing new patient involvement barometer to improve healthcareย 

Patient involvement in health policy is a patchwork across the EU. Putting the lived experience front and centre of policy-making was prioritised at a recent high-level policy event organised by the European Patients’ Forum.

Belgiumโ€™s NEED database aims to influence EU pharma legislation

The Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre and Sciensano, in collaboration with several Belgian institutions, have launched the first version of its NEED database toย address unmet medical needs.

Polandโ€™s pharmaceutical sector emerging as powerful economic pillar

Poland’s pharmaceutical sector has emerged as a key pillar of the national economy, contributing over โ‚ฌ4.5 billion annually, equivalent to the country’s entire police and fire services budget.

Denmarkโ€™s top clinical trial performance inspires Sweden and Belgium

Denmarkโ€™s and Spainโ€™s strong performance in clinical drug trials is inspiring other EU members to adopt similar models. Denmark is now advancing to develop more flexible, decentralised trials for patients.

Belgian MEP calls for an EU womenโ€™s health strategy, says EU pharma reform can go further

Belgian social democrat MEP Estelle Ceulemans has raised concerns about the Commissionโ€™s demotion of health from its leading priorities. It underscores, she says, the need to promote womenโ€™s health and to further revise the EU Pharma Package.

Czechia pushes for EU coordination in medicine stockpiling, offers resilient model for future

In a push to prevent medicine shortages across Europe, Czechia is advocating for a more coordinated approach to medicine stockpiling. The aim is to strengthen supply chains and ensure preparedness.

Revising Europeโ€™s pharmaceutical sector, future-proofing a healthier Europe

Euractivโ€™s team of healthcare journalists reports daily on health-related stories from the Member States – one of our key thematics is the EU Pharma Package. Read health news and coverage of current events within the EU pharmaceutical industry.

Greek hospital drug funding crisis, pharma sector warns on patient access

The pharmaceutical industry has highlighted the need for an urgent revision of Greek public hospitals’ pharmaceutical budget. Clawbacks reached an all-time high for the first half of 2023, raising concerns about ongoing patientsโ€™ access.

Swedish universities want bigger say in pandemic planning

Swedish universities want to contribute more in preparations for the next pandemic. The focal point is a centre at the medical university Karolinska Institutet, KI, which has established a network of expertise across the country.

Denmark negotiating new patient safety reporting system after government u-turn

Denmarkโ€™s regions have stepped in to support the countryโ€™s respected patient safety incident reporting system, which the government was set to scrap next year. A new deal is being negotiated with health stakeholders.

Czechia includes pharma industry in ambitious new economic strategy

The Czech government has designated the pharmaceutical sector as a strategic industry, aiming to reduce dependence on non-EU imports and support national health systems, avoiding shortages.

Belgian university hospitals invest โ‚ฌ14 million in new cell and gene therapy facility

Belgian university hospitals UZ Leuven and KU Leuven are investing โ‚ฌ14 million in a new facility for the production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). It’s expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Nordic pharma associations call for faster measures to boost EU competitiveness

A new EU life sciences strategy is a key to speeding up the competitiveness of Europe’s life sciences sector, according to the Nordic pharma industry. However, the European Commission says such a strategy could take years to develop.

Shocking Slovak healthcare audit report says system is โ€˜a seriously ill patientโ€™

The Slovak Supreme Audit Office has published a scathing report describing the Slovak health system as a seriously ill patient. The shocking analysis is the latest in a series of damaging healthcare events plaguing Robert Fico’s government.

Slovakia continuously failed to fulfil hospital payment obligations rules Court of Justice [Advocacy Lab Content]

Slovakia has lost a Court of Justice ruling over continuous late payments to public hospitals. The state-owned health insurance company is facing serious financial struggles as healthcare budget troubles mount.

Bulgaria pitches fast domestic authorisation of innovative drugs to attract pharma firms

Bulgaria will rely on the speed and efficiency of its domestic authorisation procedures for innovative drug therapies to attract the interest of pharma companies to its small domestic market, the Ministry of Health told Euractiv.

Commission still analysing Hungarian infringement review, nationalisation of IVF centres under scrutiny

The government’s interventions in fertility care, aimed at addressing falling birth rates, raised eyebrows in the European Commission. As a result, the Commission initiated an infringement procedure due to regulations limiting access to reproductive tr…

Danish government rolls out plan addressing tomorrowโ€™s health challenges

Denmark’s ruling coalition plans to transform the country’s healthcare system. Hundreds of specialist doctors will be trained, hospitals will treat more people at home, 17 new local health councils will help integrate primary and specialist care services.

Bulgaria sees 30% increase in HPV vaccination after fight against anti-vax propaganda

Bulgaria recorded a 30% increase in the number of girls vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) in 2024, compared to last year – according to data released by the Ministry of Health. However, more is needed.

Alzheimerโ€™s drug lecanemab, EMA re-examining marketing authorisation [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Medicines Agencyโ€™s human medicines committee is re-examining the marketing authorisation application for the Alzheimerโ€™s disease (AD) drug lecanemab, a treatment that has been shown to slow cognitive decline.

Alzheimerโ€™s drug lecanemab, EMA re-examining marketing authorisation [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Medicines Agencyโ€™s human medicines committee is re-examining the marketing authorisation application for the Alzheimerโ€™s disease (AD) drug lecanemab, a treatment that has been shown to slow cognitive decline.

Rheumatoid arthritis in Czechia needs faster diagnosis, access to treatment [Advocacy Lab Content]

In Czechia, over 160,000 people and approximately 4,000 children are living with rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine offers hope, early diagnosis and better access to treatment remain critical.

Weakened Slovak health minister undermined by Fico in budget consolidation row [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Slovak government announced budget consolidations to reduce the deficit; the move will significantly impact healthcare. Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkovรก (HLAS) faces ongoing criticism from her coalition partners and the opposition – her role remain…

Czech MEP urges EU to tackle pharma reliance, cut bureaucracy, curb monopolies [Advocacy Lab Content]

The EU’s increasing reliance on pharmaceutical production from non-EU countries, particularly India and China, has raised serious concerns, newly elected Czech MEP Ondล™ej Dostรกl (NI) said in an interview with Euractiv Czechia.

Pharma package improvements are needed, says Belgian medicines agency [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Belgian medicines agency, an important stakeholder in the revision of the European pharmaceutical legislation, is proposing improvements to the EU Pharma Package.

Embracing a pro-innovation approach can help close the EU health gap [Promoted content]

Proposed European pharmaceutical reforms aim to tackle, amongst others, healthcare access inequalities amongst Member States. However, some of the proposed changes may limit innovation and negatively impact patient access to medicines, highlighting the…

Irish pharma seeks election commitments on innovation investment, clinical trials [Advocacy Lab Content]

Despite Irelandโ€™s stellar biopharmaceutical success, the new president of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association says industry and government must avoid complacency. With a general election in sight, investment in innovation and clinical trial…

Dutch combining herbal products and medicines without consulting GP, warns medicines board [Advocacy Lab Content]

A staggering percentage of people in the Netherlands use herbal products in combination with other medications, without first discussing it with their healthcare professionals, the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) told Euractiv.

Pharma package a major focus for Hungarian presidency, innovation incentives seen as critical [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Hungarian presidency plans to carry on the negotiation process on the pharmaceutical legislation proposals to establish a competitive, sustainable, patient-centred pharmaceutical legal environment.

Greece could benefit from a National Cancer Fund, supported by โ€˜health taxesโ€™, study suggests [Advocacy Lab Content]

Greek health economists support the creation of a โ‚ฌ1,4 billion National Cancer Fund, a strategy for financing oncology care that leverages existing revenues, such as excise duties.

Guide the EU Biotech Act to success, says top Belgian research institute [Advocacy Lab Content]

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed to a 2025 Biotech Act. Now, Belgium’s Flanders Institute of Biotechnology is calling for a biotech coalition of member states to steer the Act to success.

Bulgaria accused of illegally blocking medicines exports [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Bulgarian government has been accused of illegally blocking exports of insulin and antibiotics despite having enough stockpiles. The European Commission has been urged to intervene.

New pharmacy prescribing roles in Ireland could alleviate overstretched doctors [Advocacy Lab Content]

Irish pharmacists are set to gain new prescribing roles following an expert report recommending they should prescribe for a range of common conditions. Irelandโ€™s leading pharmacy union is supportive, conditional on the resolution of a pay dispute.

Netherlands should raise generics prices to combat drug shortages, says Dutch bank [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Netherlands should increase the maximum price of generic medicines sold to Dutch patients to help combat drug shortages, Dutch bank ABN AMRO said in a recent report.

Athens supports regulatory obligation for pricing and reimbursement, to ensure medicines access [Advocacy Lab Content]

Talks around the ‘incentives-cluster’ within the EU’s pharma legislation remain wide open, with Athens supporting the so-called ‘delinked option’, says Aris Angelis, Secretary General for Strategic Planning of the Greek health ministry.

Sweden favours compulsory application for medicines reimbursement in any member state requesting it [Advocacy Lab Content]

Sweden favours creating a compulsory rule for companies to apply for medicines pricing and reimbursement in any member state requesting it. A minority of EU countries currently support this approach, but pharma package talks continue.

Ireland launches new clinical trials oversight group to attract pharma investment [Advocacy Lab Content]

Irelandโ€™s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced the formation of a National Clinical Trials Oversight Group. The group is tasked with developing strategies to increase the number of clinical trials conducted in Ireland.

Polish government consults industry on 80 amendments to drug reimbursement act [Advocacy Lab Content]

A revamp of Poland’s drug reimbursement law is underway. Government officials and industry representatives have advanced discussions, and a final draft of the amendment is expected by the end of the summer.

Czech MEP advocates EU budget support for high-cost gene and cell therapies [Advocacy Lab Content]

The rising cost of transformative therapies, which can run into millions of euros for each treatment, has prompted calls for innovative funding solutions, including support from the EU budget.

Irelandโ€™s new Health Information Bill opens door to digital health revolution [Advocacy Lab Content]

In a significant move towards digital transformation, Irelandโ€™s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has unveiled the Health Information Bill 2024. This landmark legislation, once enacted, will lay the legal groundwork for digital health records in I…

Ireland sees Budget 2025 funding boost for new medicines [Advocacy Lab Content]

Expected funding for new medicines in Irelandโ€™s โ€˜Budget 2025โ€™ has been welcomed by members of the Irish pharmaceutical industry, which predicts the sector will make reimbursement applications for 36 medicines in 2025, benefitting as many as 3,700 patie…

Location, location, location โ€“ European access to new medicines is a national postcode lottery [Advocacy Lab Content]

Europe has vast differences in the stages of a medicineโ€™s journey, from approval to pricing, and reimbursement, leading to significant delays and unequal patient access – often depending on a patient’s residence.

Parallel imports and the role of pharmacies still unresolved in pharma package negotiations [Advocacy Lab Content]

The ongoing pharma package negotiations were marked by Belgiumโ€™s focus on combating medicine shortages and shaping the incentives system for new medicines development. Key issues remain in play for Hungary, including parallel imports.

Bulgaria agrees to pay pharmacists higher fees, avoiding protest threat [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Bulgarian government has averted large-scale pharmacy protests, agreeing to pay higher fees to pharmacies supplying patients with free medicines. Protests were threatened over government plans to cut already low fees.

Poland leans towards shorter data exclusivity period, one year market protection [Advocacy Lab Content]

Warsaw has sided with the European Commission on the length of the Regulatory Data Protection (RDP) period in the EU Pharma Package. Poland advocates that the incentives scheme should focus on market protection and not last more than a year.

Study highlights EUโ€™s fragmented access to new medicine [Advocacy Lab Content]

Access to novel medicines continues to vary widely across EU member states. Though health remains mostly a national competence, a new Euractiv cross-country report shows patients in each country face unequal challenges when accessing new therapies.

Massive stockpiling of medicines increases patient risks, warns EU coalition [Advocacy Lab Content]

A coalition of six EU member states has warned against some countries’ massive stockpiling of medicines, warning that such practices might cause significant shortages in other parts of the European Union.

Lower innovative drug costs not being passed on by pharma firms, say Dutch researchers [Advocacy Lab Content]

Lower drug pricing does not follow from an expansion of innovative medicine indications, according to Dutch researchers. They claim pharma companies often fail to pass on their financial gain to patients and health services.

Sanofi calls for next Commission to boost Europeโ€™s research capabilities [Advocacy Lab Content]

Sanofi is emphasising the strategic importance of Belgium in its pharmaceutical research and development initiatives, while also highlighting the EU’s potential to lead an artificial intelligence-driven revolution in medicine, particularly in medicines…

Hungarian hospitals drowning in debt, suppliers risk bankruptcy, services compromised [Advocacy Lab Content]

Hospitals in Hungary are sounding alarm as rising debts restrict operations, with officials reporting there are very few medical interventions for which the available funding provides sufficient financial coverage.

Warsaw reallocates drug production funds, provokes pharma industry criticism [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Polish government has reallocated โ‚ฌ139.5 million from the National Recovery Plan to support the zero-emission economy. The move upset the Polish pharmaceutical sector as the funds were originally intended for drug production.

Belgian parties seek pharma revamp focused on talent, innovation, and digital transformation [Advocacy Lab Content]

The future of Belgiumโ€™s pharmaceutical industry is under scrutiny as competition challenges Belgian success. Leading Belgian politicians discussed revamping pharma’s road map in a recent conversation with Euractiv.

Slovak candidates contest EU health vision, pharma package central to concerns [Advocacy Lab Content]

As Slovak voters go to the polls candidates are fighting for Slovakia’s 15 MEP seats with substantially different visions of how EU health legislation should be directed – the EU Pharma Package is central to current concerns.

MEP Tiemo Wรถlken prioritises fair access to medicines

Dreaming of a third Parliamentary mandate, Tiemo Wรถlken, 12th on the list of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), reflects on his tenure in the European Parliament in an interview with Euractiv.

Belgian politicians raise concerns on pharma regulatory data protection change [Advocacy Lab Content]

In its last stretch, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU is discussing regulatory data protection (RDP) for medicinal products. The goal is to balance pharmaceutical innovation with timely patient access across the EU.

Belgium and the Netherlands lead push for need-driven research priorities involving patients [Advocacy Lab Content]

Belgium and the Netherlands are pushing for a need-driven research model prioritising society’s requirements, with an emphasis on addressing unmet medical needs, Belgium is viewed as setting the stage for future presidencies.

Focus on national competence and drug prices in EU pharma package, says Bulgaria [Advocacy Lab Content]

Bulgariaโ€™s updated position paper on the revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation underlines the importance of national competence and focuses on access to new medicines for citizens of poorer countries.

Dutch drugs association wants clear, predictable reimbursement procedures from pharma package [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Dutch innovative medicines association, VIG, says amendments to the pharmaceutical legislation adopted by the European Parliament aren’t enough to ease concerns.

Pharma industry fears Bulgarian political crisis could hurt negotiations [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Bulgarian pharmaceutical industry fears that the country’s political crisis could negatively impact the protection of national interests during the negotiations on the new European pharmaceutical legislation.

Irelandโ€™s clinical trials scorecard outpaced by Denmark, says biopharma trade body [Advocacy Lab Content]

Ireland is attracting fewer clinical trials than some EU countries with similar populations and economic performances, according to a new report by the IPHA, Ireland’s biopharmaceutical industry body. Denmark attracts almost three times as many industr…

Medicines impacting Belgian water system, environmental risk analysis demanded [Advocacy Lab Content]

Prioritising pollution prevention or human health? That’s the question probing the ethical limits of Belgium’s pharmaceutical industry, amidst discussion of whether to approve new medicines if environmental risk assessments prove inadequate.

Commission opens infringement procedures against Bulgaria over medicine tenders [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Commission has open infringement procedures against Bulgaria for the long-term violation of internal market rules and illegal procedures allowing private hospitals to avoid tendering for medicines.

Poles disappointed over pharmaceutical prices, state subsidies remain low [Advocacy Lab Content]

Eighty-five percent of Poles believe that drug prices in the country are high, according to a survey conducted by Ariadna, the Nationwide Research Panel for Health Market. Despite this perception, the prices of reimbursed drugs in Polish pharmacies are…

European Health Data Space can help create Irelandโ€™s fit-for-purpose health system [Advocacy Lab Content]

Experts gathered at the EIT Health Summit for the launch of a new report โ€˜Implementing the European Health Data Space across Europeโ€™, which could boost Ireland’s digital healthcare transition.

Irish pharma sector quizzes European election candidates on innovation, sustainability, and regulation [Advocacy Lab Content]

Irish candidates for the upcoming European parliament elections are attending a series of health manifesto events where pharmaceutical industry experts, the press and the public are quizzing candidatesโ€™ support for innovation and sustainability.

Belgian innovative pharma sector urges government to prioritise competitiveness [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Belgian innovative pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, but competitiveness dynamics and EU pharma package revisions are causing uncertainty. Euractiv spoke in depth with Caroline Ven, CEO of pharma.be, about the sector’s concerns.

Bratislava hesitates on pharma package, concerns voiced on RDPโ€™s unpredictability [Advocacy Lab Content]

Slovakia is still in the ‘undecided’ camp for the EU Pharmaceutical Package’s regulatory data protection (RDP) system, but senior Slovak voices question the RDP’s unpredictability and exposure to external risk.

Sweden eyes broader use of precision cancer medicine [Advocacy Lab Content]

Swedish researchers are preparing a national clinical trial with the aim to personalise off-label cancer drugs for patients who have run out of treatment options. The trial hopes to lead to a broad adoption of precision medicine in cancer care across S…

Long road ahead for EU Pharma Package says Polish pharmaceutical sector [Advocacy Lab Content]

Poland’s pharmaceutical industry says there’s still a long journey ahead for the revision of the EU’s pharma legislation. Despite the Pharma Package now heading to Council, the Polish Ministry of Health chooses to remain silent.

Polish patient education needed to boost clinical trial success [Advocacy Lab Content]

Poland’s clinical trials give access to innovative therapies for over 25,000 patients, but a new Medical Research Agency survey reports half of Poles lack any real understanding of clinical trials, hindering long-term success.

Decrease in data protection period risks medicine price increase, says Greek health minister

The Greek government is firmly opposed to any changes to the duration of the regulatory protection period (RDP) in the EU Pharma Package, with Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis pointing to negative consequences for Europe and Greece.

Pharma package revisions embed a European solidarity mechanism, says Belgian MEP Ries [Advocacy Lab Content]

Patients with rare diseases are clear beneficiaries of the European Parliamentโ€™s vote on the EU Pharma Package, says Belgian MEP Frรฉdรฉrique Ries. The revised package will also embed a European solidarity mechanism.

Shaping the future of Europeโ€™s healthcare in a new political cycle [Advocacy Lab Content]

Against the backdrop of the upcoming European elections, could the EU do more to positively affect healthcare outcomes across the EU 27 in the next legislative cycle? Astra Zenecaโ€™s Stefan Woxstrรถm believes now is the time to seize the momentum.

Athens eyes global pharma investments, defends patent ecosystem protection [Advocacy Lab Content]

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, says he wants Greece to attract more investment from global pharmaceutical companies, to foster life science innovation and the creation of more Greek intellectual property.

Sweden aims to keep current data protection period in EU pharma package [Advocacy Lab Content]

The Swedish government is opposed to shortening the regulatory data protection period for new medicines, as currently proposed by the EU Commission in its pharma legislative overhaul. Swedish key stakeholders are demanding a stronger focus on patients.

Belgiumโ€™s university-industry collaboration model could accelerate EUโ€™s advanced therapeutics [Advocacy Lab Content]

Despite its significant potential, Europe trails North America and the Asian Pacific in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product development and investment. Belgium however, boasts one of the highest densities of advanced therapy companies globally.

ENVIโ€™s EU pharma package โ€˜a bloody compromiseโ€™ says Czech shadow rapporteur [Advocacy Lab Content]

EP votes on Wednesday (10 April) on the new pharmaceutical legislation, which the shadow rapporteur Kateล™ina Koneฤnรก (The Left) calls a โ€œbloody compromiseโ€, while Czech MEP Ondล™ej Knotek welcomed the ENVI outcome.

Polandโ€™s biological medicines inequality goes under microscope [Advocacy Lab Content]

Poland’s poor availability of biological and biosimilar medicines is under the microscope, with policymakers pushing for new accessibility measures to benefit patients in need of advanced therapies.

Commission rejects Bulgariaโ€™s intended ban on scarce medicines export [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Commission has rejected Bulgaria’s proposed rules on pharmaceutical trade, which include a ban on rare medicine exports until domestic needs are fully covered.

Slovakiaโ€™s cancer plan needs comprehensive oncological care network, says Reฤkovรก [Advocacy Lab Content]

Slovakia needs investment in a comprehensive oncological care network aligned with the Europe Beating Cancer Plan and the National Oncology Programme, according to the head of Slovakia’s National Oncology Institute.

Europeโ€™s new Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR) on the horizon [Advocacy Lab Content]

In early 2025, Europe will implement a uniform, pan-EU framework under the new Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR), addressing disparities in evaluating the clinical value of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Inclusivity, transparency, delivery โ€“ navigating the EUโ€™s new Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR) [Advocacy Lab Content]

The EFPIA HTA Working Group’s Inka Heikkinen and James Ryan spoke with Euractivโ€™s Nicole Verbeeck, giving insights on moving towards a robust HTA system โ€“ one that serves patients, industry and progress in Europe or member states.

EU Parliamentโ€™s compromise on pharma revision โ€˜a mixed bagโ€™, says health organisation

For health organisations, the EU Parliamentโ€™s public health committeeโ€™s (ENVI) agreed compromise on the revision of the EUs pharmaceutical legislation could go further.

Compromises on the Pharma Package provide balance, say MEPs ahead of ENVI vote [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Parliament’s ENVI committee is scheduled to convene today, 19 March, to discuss the new pharmaceutical framework and vote on the compromised text regarding the draft regulation and the revised directive.

Czech shadow rapporteur weighs contentious new pharma package proposals [Advocacy Lab Content]

European Parliament is refining its position on two new proposals in ongoing pharmaceutical package deliberations. Czech MEP, Kateล™ina Koneฤnรก, favours Commissionโ€™s proposal for a regulatory data protection period while criticizing shift to digital med…

Irish hospital researchers discover new AMR bacteria

Researchers at Irelandโ€™s University of Limerick have discovered a new species of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The discovery was made at ULโ€™s School of Medicine and identified a novel antibiotic-resistant bacterial species capable of colonising pa…

More equal access to medicines needed, says EU Pharmaceutical roundtable

Patients need access to medicines, equally and unobstructed across the European Union. This was the message echoing throughout the EU Pharmaceutical Roundtable, organised by MEP Adam Jarubas (EPP) at the European Parliament.