Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in a written answer on 3 July 2026, outlined the EU's approach to strengthening domestic manufacturing of critical medicines, favouring incentives over mandatory production levels. The answer, responding to a question from ECR MEP Piotr Müller, signals that the Commission aims to reduce dependence on Asian supply chains through public procurement rewards rather than binding quotas, a move that could benefit EU pharmaceutical producers while maintaining flexibility for industry.
The answer confirms that no mandatory minimum production levels are planned for selected medicines. Instead, the Critical Medicines Act, on which political agreement was reached on 12 May 2026, introduces measures to favour EU-based manufacturing in public procurement. Contracting authorities will be able to reward suppliers proportionally to the share of medicinal products and active pharmaceutical substances manufactured in the EU, aiming to boost supply chain diversification and resilience. The Commission also stated that it analyses socioeconomic impacts of new environment and energy legislation under Better Regulation principles, addressing Müller's concern about regulatory burden on European medicine production.
The policy orientation is towards incentivisation rather than compulsion, balancing industrial competitiveness with supply security. The Critical Medicines Act is expected to enter into force following formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council, with implementation likely to begin in 2027. The answer leaves open the possibility of further measures if voluntary diversification proves insufficient, but for now the Commission relies on market-based rewards to achieve resilience.