Drug shortages have become a major challenge across Europe, affecting essential treatments such as cancer therapies, hormone replacement drugs, and diabetes medications. While some supply issues have improved, others remain persistent, putting patients and healthcare systems under pressure.
To address this crisis, the EU is preparing the Critical Medicines Act, a new legislative framework aimed at ensuring the availability of essential medicines, strengthening supply chains, and preventing future shortages.
Medicine shortages arise from a mix of global and local factors, including:
- Geopolitical disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the Ukraine war
- Sudden spikes in demand, often linked to disease outbreaks
- Manufacturing and supply chain failures, including recalls and quality control issues
These challenges leave patients struggling to access life-saving treatments, leading to delays, stress, and uncertainty in medical care.
Belgium’s Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has been a key force behind the Critical Medicines Act. In May 2023, Belgium called for an EU-wide solution, receiving support from 23 member states, demonstrating the urgent need for action.
Expected to take effect in 2025, the Critical Medicines Act will focus on:
- Monitoring and strengthening supply chains to prevent future shortages
- Enhancing EU cooperation to stop individual countries from stockpiling at the expense of others
- Reducing reliance on non-EU pharmaceutical production, as 70-80% of Europe’s medicines currently come from China and India
By boosting domestic manufacturing, improving coordination, and securing essential medicines, the EU aims to create a more resilient healthcare system. If fully implemented, the Critical Medicines Act could be a turning point in safeguarding Europe’s medical supply.