The EU agrees to improve patients’ access to critical medicines

This morning, the EU agreed on its Critical Medicines Act to strengthen the bloc's supply of antibiotics, vaccines, insulin and other medicines for chronic or rare diseases. This is positive news for patients and consumers at a time when Europe faces persistent shortages of critical medicines, affecting access to essential treatments.   

Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented:  

“The Critical Medicines Act is a major step in preventing shortages of essential treatments in pharmacies and hospitals. This will support more resilient health systems, ensuring everyone can have access to the medicines they need. Making it easier for Member States to buy medicines together will also allow more equitable access. Today's situation improves as public hospitals will have to consider supply security on top of medicine prices in their purchasing process.” 

For more information:  

• BEUC's press release “EU Commission plans to improve medicines’ availability for patients” - March 2025