Medicines are integral to caring for patients across Europe. In that context, the pharmaceutical industry is an essential partner in addressing the many challenges faced by health systems. From guaranteeing the supply of medicines to patients in Greece, to working with the regulator to accelerate the provision of safe and effective medicines to patients, EFPIA regularly attends meetings with European institutions on key healthcare issues. 

EFPIA is committed to transparency with regard to its activities. EFPIA has declared a spend of Euro 5,071,000 in 2014, on activities covered by the Transparency Register. This figure is an increase on the previous year due to the fact that the reporting requirements have changed.

The pharmaceutical industry directly employs 707,000 people in Europe, with combined exports of around Euro 300 billion, and invests Euro 30.5 billion on R&D in Europe annually. Against this backdrop, the estimated spend on engagement activities of Euro 40 million, is by no means excessive. 

EFPIA Director General Richard Bergström said: "The CEO report shows that the EU transparency rules are working, albeit not perfectly. Otherwise CEO would have nothing to write about. For me as EFPIA DG, I am happy to see EFPIA working effectively with EU institutions on key healthcare issues that matter to patients.”