Adonis Georgiadis, Greece’s Minister of Health, underscored the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its autonomy in pharmaceutical production and supply during his intervention at the EU Council of Health Ministers in Luxembourg. He placed pharmaceutical resilience at the heart of the discussion, stressing that access to medicines is no longer solely a public health concern—but a matter of strategic autonomy, resilience, and European security.
Biotech Law, Diagnostics, and Resilience Policy
The Council deliberated several key initiatives, including the proposed European Biotech Act, updates to the regulatory framework for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic products, and the EU’s broader policy to bolster pharmaceutical resilience.
Georgiadis described the European Biotech Act as a cornerstone strategic initiative—aimed at reinforcing Europe’s leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing within the health sector. In an era of intensifying global competition, he noted, biotechnology is not only a driver of growth and innovation but also a critical pillar of health security and strategic independence.
He acknowledged Europe’s continued strength in scientific research, yet pointed to a persistent gap between scientific excellence and commercial exploitation. Many innovations, he said, are ultimately developed, manufactured, and marketed outside the EU.
Three Priorities for Change
To reverse this trend, Georgiadis outlined three priorities: regulatory simplification; enhanced funding and industrial development support; and targeted backing for strategic projects addressing unmet medical needs.
He emphasized the need for faster, more predictable clinical trial and product development pathways—making Europe a more attractive destination for research and innovation. At the same time, he stressed that the success of the European Biotech Act will ultimately be measured by its real-world impact on patients.
“True innovation is innovation that reaches patients and improves their clinical outcomes,” he stated—a central message of his address.
Drugs, Supply Chains, and Critical Therapies
In the discussion on pharmaceutical resilience, Georgiadis highlighted three core priorities: strengthening EU-based drug manufacturing; diversifying supply chains; and effectively implementing the Critical Medicines Act.
He added that resilience must go hand-in-hand with sustainable access to innovation—ensuring patients gain timely access to new, clinically effective, and affordable treatments.
Georgiadis also called for closer EU coordination on pricing policies and reinforced voluntary cooperation among member states. He urged that pharmaceutical resilience remain high on the agenda of upcoming Health Council meetings.
Medical Devices and Urban Wastewater
On medical devices and urban wastewater—topics also raised in the Council—Georgiadis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to aligning with EU standards while advocating for pragmatic, implementation-ready solutions that reflect national capacities and public health realities.