EFPIA swings behind Council’s call for a European Competitiveness Deal

The European Federation of pharmaceutical Industries Associations (EFPIA) and its members support the European Union (EU) leaders call for a new European Competitiveness Deal and call for a dedicated Health and Life Sciences Strategy as part of the wider strategy.

Detailed in the Conclusions of the Special Meeting of the European Council (April 17-18, 2024), the call aims to secure the Union’s economic resilience, its global competitiveness, its technological leadership, and its attractiveness as a business location.

Talking about the Council conclusions, EFPIA director general, Nathalie Moll said. “It is clear that the EU leaders are acutely aware of the competitiveness challenge Europe is facing. In our sector, we have witnessed a 25% fall in our share of global R&D investment over the past two decades. Considering the sector contributes more to the EU balance of trade than any other, the stakes could not be higher. As the EU considers the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, creating a new competitiveness deal for Europe and specifically a comprehensive health and life-science strategy within it, could be the catalyst to prevent further decline, reverse these trends and build a healthier, more competitive and resilient Europe.”