Commission to unveil new Critical Medicines Act in plenary
The Commission will adopt a proposal for a new Critical Medicines Act (CMA), and present the draft Act in plenary on Tuesday, followed by a debate with MEPs.
The CMA is meant to address severe medicines shortages and medical device shortages, and reduce external reliance on critical medicines and ingredients, as well as ensure the supply of affordable medicines. MEPs are expected to quiz the Commission on how the new proposal will complement the reform of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation, to boost manufacturing in Europe and to facilitate joint procurements.
Background
The announcement of a CMA was made last year by Ursula von der Leyen in her political guidelines and mission letter to Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. In his confirmation hearing, Commissioner Várhelyi committed to launching the CMA within the new College’s first 100 days as a priority action of the new Commission mandate, and the proposal was subsequently included in 2025’s work programme.
Procedures: Commission statement
Debate: Tuesday, 11 March