On 24 March, EFPIA took part in POLITICO’s Competitive Europe Summit, at a pivotal moment for Europe’s future. With the EU at a crossroads, discussions focused on whether Europe can reform, drive growth and reclaim global influence - or risk stagnation, undermining both its economic strength and security.
Stefan Oelrich, EFPIA President and President of Pharmaceuticals at Bayer AG underscored both Europe’s strengths and the urgency to act:
“Europe has the science, the skills and a strong industrial base, but we’re being outpaced by China and the United States on investment, clinical trials and advancing novel medicines. Europe’s challenge is to close the gaps identified in the report to create an environment that attracts investment, accelerates translation into new treatments and ensures day-one access for Europeans. If we’re willing to act to close the gap, we don’t just boost growth; we secure Europe’s health resilience. The choice is ours.”
➡️ Watch the highlight from Stefan Oelrich’s opening remarks.
In a fireside chat on Europe’s global competitiveness in pharmaceuticals, Padraic Ward, Head of Roche Pharma International, highlighted the need for a critical mindset shift.
In Europe, “health [is] being thought about as a cost and not as an investment,”
As a result, “we’re missing opportunities all over the place, specifically for pharma.”
➡️ Watch a short highlight from the fireside chat: Can Europe lead the world’s pharma market? with Padraic Ward.
