EU Life Sciences Strategy: a step towards a stronger, innovation-friendly ecosystem

Brussels, 2 July 2025 – The European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE) appreciates and supports the European Commission’s ambition to strengthen the EU’s healthcare ecosystem through a comprehensive EU Life Sciences Strategy. A more integrated and innovation-friendly regulatory framework is essential for the EU to remain globally competitive in the pharmaceutical sector, especially for small and mid-sized companies and innovators in complex areas, such as advanced therapies and rare disease research.

The proposed actions to improve the EU’s clinical research framework demonstrate the Commission’s willingness to listen to stakeholder feedback and address practical challenges that impact the development and delivery of cutting-edge treatments across the EU. Interventions in this area are pivotal to bolster innovation and reduce existing barriers, such as regulatory fragmentations and complexities. Initiatives related to the EU Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation should focus on implementing the existing framework and ensuring adequate resources.

EUCOPE also sees promising momentum in the plans to establish European Centres of Excellence for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), to facilitate multi-country clinical trials, to pilot new funding models for collaborative research, and to support collaboration between EU Biotech clusters. It is equally important to continue bolstering existing success stories, such as the European Reference Networks (ERNs) and European Rare Disease Research Alliance (ERDERA), which have proven valuable in addressing complex and rare conditions through cross-border cooperation.

Finally, EUCOPE urges the European Commission and EU policymakers to consider adopting an EU Rare Disease Action Plan. This remains absent from the Life Sciences Strategy, despite its importance in complementing the proposed measures and improving the lives of people with rare diseases in the EU.

Alexander Natz – EUCOPE Secretary General, stated:

“The renewed focus on the life sciences sector sends a clear signal that the Commission is committed to fostering pharmaceutical competitiveness and innovation through meaningful support and collaboration with Member States, industry, researchers and the broader healthcare community.”

Download the press release: EUCOPE PR – EU Life Sciences Strategy

Read more about EUCOPE’s work on the EU Life Sciences Strategy here.