EMA backs political deal on sweeping EU pharmaceutical reform

The European Medicines Agency has welcomed a political agreement between EU institutions on a far-reaching reform of pharmaceutical legislation, calling it the biggest overhaul of the system in more than two decades.

The agreement, struck between the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU member states, is intended to improve patient access to medicines, strengthen supply security and update a regulatory framework widely seen as creaking under modern scientific and market pressures.

Emer Cooke, executive director of the European Medicines Agency, said the reform would make the EU medicines network more agile while preserving scientific rigor. She pointed to streamlined procedures, greater use of digital tools and more efficient deployment of expertise.