The European Union has an ambition to become the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030. To do so, research and private businesses must closely cooperate in a business-friendly regulatory environment that reduces administrative burden and supports innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
On Tuesday, 30 September, Council approved conclusions on life sciences for the EU’s competitiveness. The Council welcomes the ambition of making the EU the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030, as outlined in the Commission’s recent strategy. It also provides guidance to unlock the Union’s full potential for competitiveness.
Focus on AI, quantum computing
The Council encourages full support throughout the value chain from fundamental research and uptake, stronger research in advanced therapy medicinal products, a leading EU role in clinical trials and a broad approach to biotechnology. It also calls for the use of advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. It stresses the importance of developing skills, and attracting and retaining talent.
Today’s Council conclusions send a clear message: the EU should lead the global race for life sciences. We must act with urgency and determination with a coordinated strategy that turns ambition into action. — Christina Egelund, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science
Council underlined the importance of a business-friendly regulatory framework: such that reduces administrative burden and supports innovative small and and medium-sized enterprises, and sustainable manufacturing capacities. Finally, the conclusions highlight the need for a coordinated governance framework on life sciences and for swift implementation of the proposed actions.
Demands for action
Life sciences are vital for advancing fundamental knowledge and driving innovation in strategic areas such as health, food, and the environment. The EU faces fierce global competition in this area, where the innovation gap, a fragmented ecosystem, and other structural barriers demand immediate action. The Council calls for a holistic approach to research and innovation, building on existing capacities across the entire value chain.
The Council stresses the urgent need to address the EU’s declining share and reduced global impact in clinical trials. It calls on the Commission to improve the ecosystem for multi-country and multi-centre clinical trials, including by updating the regulatory framework and establishing an investment plan for clinical research.
The conclusions also underline the challenges of using health data for research and innovation, insisting on the need to overcome remaining hurdles to strengthen disease prevention and deliver high-quality healthcare. The measures include better coordination among existing clinical trial projects, further digitalisation of health systems, and using artificial intelligence.
