Renew Europe calls for no more empty shelves after parliament vote on medicine shortages
Renew Europe welcomes today's vote in Parliament on tackling medicine shortages as a decisive step to ensure Europeans' access to essential medicines.
"This is a step towards transforming how Europe secures and distributes essential medicines to its citizens - no more empty shelves, no more patients waiting for life-saving treatments.”,
Vlad VoiculescuRenew Europe shadow rapporteur and coordinator of the Public Health Committee (SANT).
This parliament position calls to transform how Europe secures medicines ahead of the negotiations with the Member States. The three pillars are:
First, joint procurement gives Member States collective bargaining power for better prices and supply.
Strategic investments boost EU-based pharmaceutical manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Redistribution systems ensure no patient is left without life-saving treatment - regardless of geography or market size. In addition, Renew played a key role in strengthening sexual and reproductive rights by making sure that contraceptives and abortion drugs are also covered by the legislation.
Together, these will deliver faster and fairer access for all European patients.
The parliament’s position focuses on patient-centric solutions to secure medical supply across the EU:
Protecting patients and public health systems from shortages: Stronger monitoring and early warning systems will detect shortages before they hit pharmacies and hospitals. Better crisis preparedness and more agile public procurement will keep supply stable so patients aren't left without the medicines they need.
Ensuring fair access for everyone: Through joint procurement and redistribution mechanisms, every patient gets equal access to critical medicines - whether they live in a large country or a smaller one. Member States gain collective bargaining power to secure better supply and more reliable access.
Building Europe's manufacturing independence: Strategic investments will expand EU-based pharmaceutical production, reducing our dangerous reliance on single suppliers abroad and guarantee strategic autonomy. A stronger European industry means more security, more jobs, and medicines we can count on.
For the EU industry, joint procurement brings Member States together whilst strategic projects strengthen our EU-based pharmaceutical sector. Redistribution mechanisms ensure fair access across Europe. This is European solidarity in healthcare: working together to support our industry and patients alike, so that no one is left behind
Vlad Vasile-VoiculescuRenew Europe MEP, Romania, Uniunea Salvați România
By securing stable and reliable medicine supply chains, the EU strengthens both its preparedness and overall security. Renew Europe has consistently supported these measures and will continue our efforts in the upcoming negotiations. We have voted in favour of the framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products and aim to complete the Health Union.