EFPIA Press Release welcoming the French Presidency of the Council of the EU
04.01.22
As we begin the new year, EFPIA welcomes the French Presidency of the Council of the EU which will preside until the end of June 2022. The French Presidency marks the beginning of the new Trio Programme, with Czechia and Sweden taking over the Presidency for the second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023 respectively. The Trio Programme aims to enhance the Union’s collective preparedness, response capability and resilience to future crises, drawing from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three Presidencies are expected to conclude negotiations and support the implementation of the European Health Union package, including the HERA (the European Health Emergency preparedness and Response Authority) proposal.
Nathalie Moll, EFPIA Director General, welcomed the French Presidency and their ambitious agenda ahead, commenting, “The French Presidency faces the twin challenge of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic whilst implementing strong recovery and resilience programmes, and making progress on key actions under the green and digital transition”. EFPIA welcomes the commitment from the Trio Presidency towards the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the establishment of a European Health Data Space.
Together with the research-based pharmaceutical industry National Trade Associations, EFPIA looks forward to engaging in the upcoming discussions and priorities under the Trio Programme. Nathalie Moll commented, “This Trio Presidency comes at a key moment in time for our industry as the EU reviews its pharmaceutical policy framework. We believe there is a unique opportunity to build a healthier future for Europe, a future based on innovation that can address unmet medical needs, increased access to new treatments, better outcomes for patients in a more resilient and prosperous Europe. During the Trio programme we will be discussing proposals to create a step change in the access and availability of medicines for patients across Europe, as well as creating an environment where Europe can be a centre of the development of new diagnostics, treatments and vaccines".
The key events of the French Presidency are scheduled to take place during the first three months of this year, and EFPIA is pleased to note the focus on strengthening the EU’s Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as rare diseases. EFPIA welcomes the opportunity to participate with all other stakeholders and work together with policy makers to co-create new, flexible and collaborative solutions.
Nathalie Moll concluded "The choices that we make in the coming months will do much to define our health and economic future. As a region we can choose to innovate or stagnate. I firmly believe that by working together to back innovation and boost access, we will create a healthier future for Europe”.