The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a document listing the official public holidays in European Union member states for 2027, as recorded in the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS). The document, dated 31 July 2026 and issued under reference EMA/167500/2026, provides a reference for stakeholders involved in clinical trials to plan activities around national holidays.
The list covers holidays in Austria, Belgium, and Bulgaria, with entries for each country detailing the date and name of the holiday. For Austria, the holidays include New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, National Day, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day. Belgium's list includes New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost Monday, National Day, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, Armistice Day, and Christmas Day. Bulgaria's holidays include New Year's Day, National Holiday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Easter, Gergyovden (St. George's Day), Bulgarian Education and Culture and Slavic Script Day, Unification Day, Independence Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Days.
The document is produced by EMA's Data Analytics and Methods unit and is intended to support the planning of clinical trial activities within the EU. It reflects the agency's ongoing efforts to harmonise regulatory processes and provide practical tools for sponsors and researchers. The publication is part of EMA's broader work on the Clinical Trials Regulation, which aims to streamline the authorisation and oversight of clinical trials across member states.
For stakeholders, the list serves as a practical reference to avoid scheduling conflicts with national holidays when planning trial milestones, such as inspections, submissions, or data reviews. Sponsors and contract research organisations may use this information to align their timelines with local working days, potentially reducing delays. National competent authorities may also find it useful for coordinating review timelines.
The document does not introduce new regulatory requirements but rather consolidates existing holiday data for operational convenience. It is a routine administrative publication, with no direct impact on the conduct of clinical trials beyond providing clarity on non-working days. The agency encourages users to verify specific dates with national sources, as holiday observances can vary.
EMA's publication of this list is a low-key administrative step, but it underscores the agency's commitment to facilitating the smooth operation of clinical trials across the EU. No further action is required from stakeholders, but the document may be referenced in future planning cycles.