EFPIA and Vaccines Europe welcome the publication of the European Commission Communication on “Reinforcing Global Health Resilience Amidst Geopolitical Change” on Wednesday 13 May. The Communication is an important step towards strengthening Europe’s preparedness and resilience in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical and global health environment. 

The Communication’s recognition that the competitiveness of Europe’s innovative health industry is a core pillar of global health resilience is well received by industry, as is its support for prevention, vaccination, resilient supply chains and voluntary, partnership-based approaches.  

We are pleased to see clear recognition that intellectual property rights and voluntary technology transfer on mutually agreed terms is essential to sustaining innovation, investment, trusted global partnerships and a resilient health innovation ecosystem. 

As implementation moves forward, it will be essential that measures under the initiative support Europe’s attractiveness for research, development and manufacturing. Diversification of global supply chains and regional partnerships should complement, not inadvertently weaken, Europe’s industrial base, export capacity, competitiveness or the sustainability of innovation-driven markets. EFPIA recommends that the European Commission conduct competitiveness checks to ensure coherence across global health, industrial, trade and innovation policies.  

Maintaining predictable and sustainable market conditions that continue to support innovation and investment in Europe will also be important. 

We believe that, moving forward, industry should also have a structured seat in the governance and implementation of the initiative to ensure measures are workable, proportionate and supportive of sustainable innovation and manufacturing capacity in Europe. 

As the EU seeks to strengthen its role in global health resilience, sustained investment in healthcare systems and prevention, including immunisation and screening, will remain essential to reinforce preparedness, resilient health systems and Europe’s long-term competitiveness. 

Nathalie Moll, Director General of EFPIA, said: “Global health resilience depends on strong innovation ecosystems, scientific excellence, resilient supply chains and trusted partnerships. The Global Health Resilience Initiative is recognition that Europe’s preparedness, and ability to respond to future health threats, are closely linked to maintaining a competitive and innovative life sciences sector. The strong focus on prevention, partnerships and voluntary cooperation sends a positive signal at a critical moment for global health governance. As implementation moves forward, maintaining predictable and innovation-supportive frameworks will be essential to ensure Europe remains an attractive environment for research, development and manufacturing” 

Sibilia Quilici, Executive Director of Vaccines Europe, said: “Strong immunisation programmes are central to Europe’s health resilience, preparedness and security. We welcome the Commission’s Global Health Resilience Initiative and its ambition to strengthen vaccination efforts and support innovation across Europe. Delivering on this ambition will require sustainable investment in prevention and health systems, including immunisation and screening programmes, while ensuring Europe remains a competitive and attractive environment for vaccine research, innovation and manufacturing. Maintaining strong frameworks that support innovation, investment and trusted partnerships will remain essential. With its strong vaccine ecosystem, the EU is uniquely positioned to help strengthen both European and global health resilience.”