Pressinbjudan: Nordic Seminar on the EU Life Sciences Strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of a strong and resilient life sciences sector in Europe, emphasizing the need for enhanced EU cooperation to address cross-border health threats. In response, the EU has introduced significant initiatives, including the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA), the EU4Health program, and proposals for pharmaceutical legislation reform. Yet, despite these efforts, the EU’s health sector remains fragmented and continues to lag behind global competitors such as the U.S. and China.

Recognizing these challenges, the incoming European Commission is expected to make life sciences a top priority, with plans to introduce new legislation, including a Critical Medicines Act and a European Biotech Act. To secure Europe’s position as a global leader, a clear and ambitious Competitiveness Strategy for European Life Sciences is crucial, in combination with the next EU framework programme for Research and Innovation. The Nordic countries, with their successful national strategies, offer a valuable model for broader European collaboration.

This seminar aims to identify the key issues that could be prioritized in the next five-year term. Join industry leaders, policymakers, and experts as they discuss the strategic direction necessary to ensure Europe’s leadership in life sciences.

Programme Highlights:

Welcome Introductions: the Nordic Pharma Business Associations and the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU

Panel 1: Stakeholders Expectations and Priorities for the Next Five Years
Speakers: Stefan Woxström (SVP Europe and Canada, AstraZeneca), Emil Kongshøj Larsen (SVP Region North West Europe, Novo Nordisk), Nathalie Moll (CEO, EFPIA), Ulrika Årehed Kågström (President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control)

Panel 2: Strengthening the European Health Sector
Speakers: MEPs Stine Bosse (Renew, member of ENVI), Niels Flemming Hansen (EPP, member of ITRE and substitute of ENVI), Maria Guzenina (S&D, member of IMCO and substitute of CULT and FEMM), Karin Karlsbro (Renew, vice-chair of INTA and substitute of ENVI and PECH), and Irene Norstedt, Director People Directorate, DG Research and Innovation European Commission

Moderator: Iben Schacke, Head of Communication, Think Tank Europe

Tid och plats

• 1 oktober 2024 kl. 09.00–10.30
• Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU, Square de Meeûs 30, 1000 Brussels
• Anordnas av: Lif - de forskande läkemedelsföretagen, Lif Denmark, Pharma Industry Finland and Efpia
• Kontaktperson: Jenni Nordborg, Director International Affairs Lif, jenni.nordborg@lif.se