EU drafts Critical Medicines Act to increase local production and curb drug shortages

The European Union has reached a provisional agreement known as the Critical Medicines Act, aimed at strengthening the supply of essential medicines across member states.

The plan focuses on increasing domestic manufacturing of more than 200 medicines deemed critical for health security, including antibiotics, insulin, vaccines and painkillers, to reduce dependence on imports.

Officials say the measure is intended to address the supply-chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent similar drug shortages in the future.

The agreement was highlighted by Cyprus health minister Neophytos Charalambides, who noted that the initiative will diversify supply chains and bring production closer to European patients.