The European Commission welcomes rapid approval by the Council of the proposals that aim, on the one hand, to ensure tthe uninterrupted long-term supply of medicines from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and, on the other hand, to address the ongoing supply problems in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta –markets traditionally supplied with or through medicines from Great Britain. Today’s adoption is a continuation of last week’s affirmative vote in the European Parliament.
The Commission presented these proposals last December, following extensive cooperation with citizens, industry and other business representatives in the EU and the UK, in parallel with extensive talks with the UK Government to find this long-term solution.
Welcoming this approval, the Vice President, Mr. Sefsovicstated: «During my visit to Northern Ireland last fall, I promised to do whatever it takes to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines in Northern Ireland. We have now reached a final solution, which was reached in record time. I will continue to work closely with the Government of the United Kingdom to ensure the predictability, legal certainty and prosperity of all communities in Northern Ireland».
The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakidou, stated: «Uninterrupted supply of medicines is critical for the hundreds of thousands of patients in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Ireland and Malta whose markets are traditionally dependent on medicines from the United Kingdom. We have now fulfilled our commitment to find a solution that will ensure that all citizens can get the medicines they need, at any time. I welcome this swift agreement between the European Parliament and the Council».
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important it is to have strong supply chains and access to medicines at all times to ensure the smooth running of health systems.
Next steps for Cyprus, Ireland and Malta:
For Cyprus, Ireland and Malta, the rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council provide for a temporary derogationso that these countries can continue to supply medicines from the United Kingdom only if needed.
The Directive and the Regulation apply retroactively from 1 January 2022 and 31 January 2022 respectively. It is expected that, within three years, ie until 31 December 2024, these markets will gradually abolish temporary derogations and reduce their dependence on their domestic markets for the supply of medicines from parts of the United Kingdom other than the North. Ireland, or transiting through those parts.
In addition, later this year, the Commission will present proposals for the revision of EU pharmaceutical legislation. These proposals will seek to provide longer-term structural solutions, in particular with regard to access to medicines, with particular attention to security of supply and addressing the risks of shortages in the Union’s smaller markets.
Lena Flytzani
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