EU does not back down from pharmaceutical reform despite industry pressure

The European Commission has no plans to withdraw or revise the proposed reform of EU pharmaceutical rules, despite concerns raised by the pharmaceutical industry over potential tariffs and market competition.

The EU executive is determined to continue negotiations with lawmakers to push forward the reform, without making changes to the original proposal.

The pharmaceutical industry has increased pressure on the Commission to strengthen intellectual property protection and introduce new incentives to boost innovation, at a time of rising global trade tensions.

Giants such as Sanofi and Novartis have also called for easing of price controls, stressing that current policies make the EU market less competitive compared to the US.

To change the proposal, the Commission would have to formally withdraw the draft and submit a new one, but this is not currently planned.

"In theoretical terms, if the files are stuck for a long time, we could consider withdrawal, but that is not the case now," a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Pressure from the industry has increased due to fears that a trade war with the US is on the horizon.

While tariffs have not yet been imposed, the Trump administration has launched an investigation that could lead to their imposition.

European companies fear that low prices in Europe could affect prices in the US, pushing them down as well.

In an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of such a scenario, several companies have launched large investments in the US.

Novartis has made a $23 billion commitment to manufacturing in the US, while Roche has announced a $50 billion investment.

The Commission remains optimistic about reaching an agreement in the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

“The reform is now in the hands of the co-legislators,” the spokesperson said, stressing the strategic importance of the pharmaceutical sector and the commitment to a more attractive market for pharmaceutical innovation and production in Europe.

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