Preliminary agreement with the European Parliament on the Critical Medicines Regulation (Critical Medicines Act) was reached by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) following lengthy and intensive negotiations, according to a statement from the Cypriot EU Presidency. It should be noted that this is one of the most important legislative dossiers in the field of European health policy.

“The new Regulation establishes, for the first time, a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing shortages of critical medicines, boosting their production in Europe, and ensuring that patients in all Member States have timely and equitable access to the treatments they need,” it states.

A particularly important element of the new Regulation, it adds, is the inclusion of the possibility for Member States to join forces to procure critical medicines, thereby strengthening their collective bargaining power, achieving greater security of supply, and securing better access conditions.

At the same time, it is noted that the Regulation promotes investment in European production of medicines and active substances, with the aim of reducing Europe’s dependence on a limited number of third countries. “This strengthens the EU’s strategic autonomy and safeguards the health security of citizens,” the statement notes.

It is noted that this preliminary agreement represents a significant step toward a more resilient, safe, and fair European Health Union.

“This success demonstrates that Cyprus can, through constructive dialogue, technical expertise, and political determination, play a decisive role in shaping European policies that meet the needs of all patients in the EU,” it states. With this agreement, Cyprus is simultaneously leaving “a strong mark” on European health policy, making a substantial contribution to ensuring that all patients have access to the medicines they need, the statement concludes.

The “EP: Your Voice, Your Future” program was co-funded by the European Union under the European Parliament’s communication grant program. The European Parliament did not participate in its preparation and bears no responsibility, nor is it in any way associated with the information or opinions expressed within the framework of the program, for which the sole responsibility lies with the authors, the interviewees, the publishers, or the broadcasters of the program, in accordance with applicable law. The European Parliament also accepts no liability for any damage, direct or indirect, that may result from the implementation of the program.

Source: CNA