Drug shortages have long been a challenge, but in recent years, they have reached unprecedented levels. Essential medicines—from hormone replacement therapies and cancer treatments to diabetes drugs—have faced severe supply disruptions, leaving patients and healthcare providers struggling.
While some shortages have eased, others persist, creating an urgent need for a coordinated EU response. Enter the Critical Medicines Act, a legislative initiative aimed at addressing supply chain weaknesses and ensuring that essential medicines remain available before and during health crises.
Several factors contribute to medicine shortages, including:
- Geopolitical disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and Brexit
- Sudden spikes in demand, due to disease outbreaks
- Manufacturing issues, including recalls and supply chain failures
Regardless of the cause, shortages place patients in distress, making timely access to life-saving medicines uncertain.
Belgium’s Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has been a key advocate for the Critical Medicines Act. The severe shortages experienced during COVID-19 prompted him to push for an EU-wide approach. In May 2023, 23 EU member states joined Belgium’s call for stronger action, highlighting the structural nature of the problem.
The Critical Medicines Act, expected to move forward in 2025, will focus on:
- Monitoring critical medicines to identify supply chain vulnerabilities
- Improving EU coordination to prevent member states from stockpiling at each other’s expense
- Reducing dependence on China and India, where 70-80% of Europe’s pharmaceuticals are currently produced
By diversifying pharmaceutical supply chains and strengthening EU cooperation, the legislation aims to safeguard essential medicines for millions of European patients. If successfully implemented, the Critical Medicines Act could mark a major step toward medicine security in Europe.