A Kerry MEP says potential US tariffs on medicines mean the EU must secure a stable supply urgently.
That's according to MEP Seán Kelly from Kilcummin, who supports the European Commission’s Critical Medicines Act.
The act aims to reduce the EU’s dependence on countries like China and India for important drugs such as antibiotics, asthma inhalers, and painkillers.
Although health policy is handled by each country, the EU can work with member states to bulk-buy critical medicines at fair prices.
Pharmacists across the EU have faced medicine shortages in recent years.
MEP Kelly stressed that Europe needs to produce more medicines locally, especially as global situations become evermore uncertain.
The act seeks to encourage innovation, more local production, and finding ways to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
It also supports projects that speed up permits, provide funding, and offer help with regulations.
The act also suggests creating a group to monitor medicine supplies and shortages.
Two representatives from each member state and the European Medicines Agency would act as observers.
The legislation now needs to be reviewed and approved by the Council of Member States and the European Parliament.
