Drug shortages have plagued Europe for years, but in recent times, they have hit record levels, disrupting access to vital medications such as cancer treatments, hormone therapies, and diabetes drugs.
While some supply issues have improved, many remain unresolved, prompting the European Union to take action. The Critical Medicines Act, a key initiative to stabilize medicine supply chains and prevent future crises, is now at the top of the EU’s health policy agenda.
Why Do Medicine Shortages Happen? There are multiple causes behind recurring shortages:
- Global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and Brexit
- Sudden demand surges, as seen during health crisis
- Manufacturing disruptions, caused by recalls or quality concerns
Regardless of the reason, these shortages leave patients vulnerable and healthcare systems strained, making the need for a coordinated EU response more urgent than ever.
How the EU Plans to Secure Medicine Supply
Belgium’s Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has been leading efforts to push for EU-wide legislation. In May 2023, Belgium called for action, with 23 EU member states supporting the need for a structural solution to medicine shortages.
The Critical Medicines Act, expected to move forward in 2025, will focus on:
- Identifying weak points in supply chains to prevent shortages
- Encouraging EU cooperation to avoid harmful national stockpiling policies
- Reducing reliance on non-EU pharmaceutical producers, as 70-80% of Europe’s drugs are currently manufactured in China and India
By strengthening domestic production and improving distribution networks, the EU aims to enhance medicine security for millions of people. If successfully implemented, the Critical Medicines Act could be a turning point in ensuring a stable and reliable drug supply across Europe.