In late October 2019, nine countries — Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and Norway — launched a joint project entitled International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI). One aim the countries have in developing this project is to work together to prepare for the arrival on the market of new medicines and medical-technological innovations and, for example, to negotiate cheaper prices for innovative and often expensive medicines.

Does the Commission support this cooperation between countries with the aim of securing cheaper prices for medicines?

Does the Commission intend to encourage a similar pooling of forces involving all the Member States so that as many EU citizens as possible can benefit from the cheaper prices for medicines which this approach could secure by drawing on growing market power in negotiations with manufacturers?