TABLE 1.

Pillars of the pharmaceutical strategy and key proposals.

Pillars of the pharmaceutical strategy for Europe (European Commission 2020a)	Proposals for health-driven drug development, regulation, and policies
Ensuring access to affordable medicines for patients, and addressing unmet medical needs	Shared agendas and reform of the incentive schemes, including intellectual properties, to address patients’ and public health needs, with an eye to equity and affordability
Supporting competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry and the development of high quality, safe, effective and greener medicines	Introduction of alternative paradigms to support competition and innovation to develop a more balanced system
Enhancing crisis preparedness and response mechanisms, diversified and secure supply chains, address medicines shortages	Promote coordination rather than competition, from R&D to manufacturing and distribution
Ensuring a strong EU voice in the world, by promoting a high level of quality, efficacy and safety standards	Assessment of added therapeutic value for marketing approval and transparent and accountable EU agencies