EU plans to cut reliance on Asia for antibiotics, other critical drugs

But member countries cite cost pressures as they retain final say

20250311N antibiotics

Ten pills of the antibiotic amoxicillin are seen at a pharmacy in Germany. © Reuters

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) -- The European Commission aims to reduce the European Union's heavy reliance on countries such as China and India for antibiotics and other widely used drugs under plans unveiled on Tuesday, though officials said it would be a tough task given cost pressures.

The Critical Medicines Act seeks to tackle vulnerabilities in the manufacturing supply chain for about 270 medicines that the commission identifies as critical to health and health security in the European Union, according to the latest list it published in December.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.