German Federal Health Minister Nina Warken described the EU’s agreement on the European pharmaceutical package as a crucial step toward strengthening Europe’s position in the global market.
She told the news portal Politico that the Council’s consensus “shows Europe’s ability to act on issues relevant to our time”. The package represents the most comprehensive reform of EU drug law in twenty years and it complements Germany’s policy to bolster the EU and German locations, as well as innovation branding the slogan “Made in Europe and Germany”.
The reform is aimed at strengthening research, development and production of medicines in Europe. Warken said the package includes measures that make the continent far more attractive for innovative research, development and manufacturing.
In particular, the framework for certain medicines-including antibiotics, orphan drugs and other critical therapies-will be improved through reliable documentation and marketing protection, in addition to economic incentives.
She also highlighted planned procedural changes: faster approval processes, reduced bureaucracy, and greater digitisation. “Without these changes we cannot sustainably strengthen the European drug market” she added, noting that shortening approval procedures by about 30 days is essential.
Overall, the EU remains a highly attractive destination for biotechnology companies.