Critical Medicines Act negotiations begin, with urgency stressed by co-legislators

The kick-off trilogue on the Critical Medicines Act (CMA) took place on Monday (2 February) evening, with discussions described as constructive. Co-legislators reiterated both their readiness to move forward and the urgency of the file, given ongoing concerns around the EU’s security of medicine supply.

Earlier that afternoon, addressing the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee, Cypriot Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said the CMA was a key priority of the Cypriot presidency. He expressed hope that a political agreement could be reached within the next six months.

“This is a top priority for us in the current geopolitical context, where the availability of medicines can be challenged. Strengthening our capacity to provide critical medicines is key. We must ensure that every citizen has reliable access to the medicines they need,” Charalambides said.

The trilogue comes as European Commission Vice President and Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné called for the EU to adopt a “European preference” to boost competitiveness. However, earlier Council discussions on such an approach reportedly received a mixed response.

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During the trilogue, co-legislators and the Commission underlined the political importance of the CMA, particularly in strengthening security of supply and ensuring the availability of critical medicinal products, as well as improving access to other medicines of common interest.

The first trilogue mainly served as an exchange of mandates, allowing each institution to outline the core elements of its position. Key technical issues identified for further discussion include the scope and designation of strategic projects, stockpiling, joint procurement, financing, and the purchase of critical medicines produced in the EU.

Technical discussions will now be taken forward by experts, with the aim of preparing the ground for upcoming political trilogues. The next trilogue meeting is scheduled for 16 March.