Ahead of the adoption of the European Commission Work Program, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the European Generic Medicines Association (EGA) have reiterated their joint Europe 2020 strategy submission for an industrial policy for the globalization era and the value it places in the pharmaceutical sector. The joint submission highlights key proposals on how to successfully integrate the pharmaceutical sector for an industrial policy that will boost European health and wealth alike.

The E.U. pharmaceutical sector can compete globally if the E.U.:

• Adopts efficient regulatory measures through open and transparent input from healthcare stakeholders

• Promotes stable and predictable pharmaceutical markets that support investment in innovation and that stimulate healthy and sustainable generic and biosimilar medicines competition

• Makes Europe an attractive location for investment in research, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals

• Cooperates with the industry to address new health risks and expand its manufacturing capabilities to securely provide for its own medicine needs.

Richard Bergström, director general EFPIA, said, “The Competitiveness Council recently called on the Commission to pursue sectorial initiatives, notably for high growth potential sectors. The pharmaceutical industry is one such sector and this innovative industry, if integrated correctly in European value chains, holds great potential to continue to enhance E.U. competitiveness.” 

Adrian van den Hoven, director general EGA, said, “The pharmaceutical sector is a partner for better health and for growth and jobs in Europe. We need a decisive pharmaceutical industrial strategy to boost our manufacturing capacities to serve Europe.”