The research-based pharmaceutical sector is a critical strategic security asset and the highest contribution to the EU trade surplus, supporting 2.3 million high-skilled jobs; to remain globally competitive it requires a robust local market that attracts and rewards innovation, as well as open access to global markets.  

The European Commission’s Communication takes an important step in identifying economic security risks in the challenging and complex global environment. At a time when other major geographies are investing strategically to strengthen their life science capabilities, Europe must build on its own scientific strengths to retain global leadership.

For life sciences, boosting European economic security requires a focus on competitiveness, innovation and global cooperation. Due to the unique nature and advantage of our sector’s diverse global collaborations in clinical research development, supply chain network and open trade – working closely with Europe’s strategic partners is essential to retaining scientific leadership, maintaining diversified and reliable supply chains and ensuring continued patient access to new medicines. 

Therefore, EFPIA urges a balanced approach to implementing economic security policies to ensure that they act as enablers for the research-based innovative pharmaceutical industry and protect patients. 

For the pharmaceutical sector, this means: 

• Increasing investment in innovative medicines and R&D capacity in Europe.
• A strong and predictable intellectual property framework and pro-innovation environment and access conditions within the EU.
• Robust intellectual property protections at the heart of EU trade agreements, to safeguard Europe’s knowledge base and support European innovators in global markets.
• Enabling scientific expertise, data, materials and manufacturing to move across borders without disruption.

In an increasingly fragmented world, decisions made now will determine whether Europe remains a global biopharmaceutical leader or sees the negative trends of recent years continue. 

Therefore, a risk-based, sector-by-sector approach will be critical to ensure future measures are targeted, proportionate and evidence-based, and do not duplicate existing sectoral initiatives.  

EFPIA looks forward to working with all partners to create the conditions for pharmaceutical innovation to thrive in Europe. 

Nathalie Moll, Director General, EFPIA, said:  

“Any new policies should look to safeguard the elements that make Europe competitive, including strengthening supply chains and protecting intellectual property and the knowledge and experience that fuels innovation. 

The life science sector is a critical pillar of Europe’s health and economic security; ensuring it remains relevant requires a renewed ambition to invest in, and use, pharmaceutical innovation.”