Drug shortages have long been a problem in Europe, but in recent years, they have reached unprecedented levels. Essential medicines—such as cancer treatments, hormone therapies, and diabetes drugs—have faced major supply disruptions, affecting both patients and healthcare providers.
While some shortages have improved, others remain critical. To address this issue, the EU is preparing the Critical Medicines Act, a comprehensive plan to strengthen medicine supply chains, prevent shortages, and ensure essential treatments are available during health crises.
Several factors contribute to recurring drug shortages, including:
- Global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the Ukraine war
- Surges in demand, often caused by disease outbreaks
- Manufacturing disruptions, including recalls, quality control failures, and supply chain breakdowns
These shortages put millions of patients at risk, leading to treatment delays and increased uncertainty in healthcare systems across Europe.
Belgium’s Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has been at the forefront of efforts to introduce the Critical Medicines Act. In May 2023, Belgium pushed for a solution, gaining the support of 23 EU member states, proving that medicine shortages are a continent-wide issue.
Expected to take shape in 2025, the Critical Medicines Act will focus on:
- Monitoring medicine supply chains to detect and prevent shortages early
- Enhancing EU-wide cooperation to prevent individual member states from stockpiling at the expense of others
- Reducing reliance on foreign production, as 70-80% of Europe’s pharmaceuticals currently come from China and India
By diversifying pharmaceutical manufacturing, improving EU coordination, and securing critical medicines, this legislation aims to protect millions of patients and create a more resilient healthcare system. If successfully implemented, the Critical Medicines Act could be a game-changer for Europe’s medical security.
