Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
October 20 marks the 30th anniversary of the first medicine approved by the European Commission through the EU's central authorization procedure. Over the past three decades, approximately 2,000 medicines have been approved for the EU market, following a rigorous, science-based evaluation process.
The European Commission in Brussels said in a statement, "Medicines are essential for strong health systems. Thirty years ago, the European Union took a decisive step to promote public health, support innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical industry by establishing a centralized medicine authorization system. Since then, this system—built on scientific excellence and rigorous safety standards—has become a central pillar of EU health policy, providing patients and healthcare workers with nearly 2,000 medicines.
Under this process, companies can provide safe and innovative medicines to patients in all Member States through a single, simplified authorization system. The sector has gained much-needed predictability and efficiency, and European citizens have enjoyed faster and more equitable access to treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hepatitis C, HIV, multiple sclerosis, and many rare diseases.
Europe's pharmaceutical sector is one of our most dynamic and innovative industries, employing hundreds of thousands of people. By combining high regulatory standards with an approval process The simplified, centralized system has strengthened Europe's competitiveness and made the EU an attractive location for research and development.
Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this success. Global competition is intensifying, scientific progress is accelerating, and patients expect timely access to innovations. To ensure Europe remains a leader, we need to adapt our rules to keep pace with digital transformation, new technologies, and accelerate procedures. Ensuring the rapid adoption of the reform of EU medicines legislation and the Biopharmaceuticals Act, as well as the adoption of a proposed Biotechnology Act, are key priorities.
As we celebrate 30 years of centralized EU medicines regulation, we are more committed than ever to a strong, competitive, and innovative European pharmaceutical sector—one that delivers the best treatment to patients more quickly, adheres to the highest standards of safety and trust, and stimulates economic growth. Our goal is to ensure that, together, Europe remains a leader in health innovation for the next generation.