EuropaBio calling for EU Biotech Act

EuropaBio, which represents bioindustries across ecosystems, pitches for an EU Biotech Act which strengthens value chains from R&D to end-users, creates coherent regulatory pathways and builds a next-generation ecosystem. Last March, the old EU Commission promised to establish an EU Biotech Act to promote Europe’s position biotechnology.

However, in her pre-election speech, EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said no word about the EU Biotech Act while it was mentioned in her political guidelines.

Dr Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio commented “The EU Biotech Act is Europe’s opportunity to create a cornerstone for this strategically critical technology. It is vital that biotech is recognised at a high policy level, and a strong Biotech Act sends a global signal that our innovation and capacity will support healthy citizens, competitive sectors and a sustainable future.”

The EU Biotech Act must maximise Europe’s global impact and position this strategic technology, with an ambitious, cross-sectoral approach, stated EuropaBio in a vision paper designed to remind EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to her promise.  A strong EU Biotech Act will further amplify the effectiveness and impact of initiatives including the EU Life Sciences Strategy, Bioeconomy Strategy and Clean Industrial Deal.

The EU Biotech Act must: strengthen value chains, from R&D to end-users, create coherent regulatory pathways, and build a next generation ecosystem reflecting the EU’s ambition for competitiveness, sustainability, health and strategic autonomy:

Faster Financing (Pillar 1) Establishing a ‘Biotech for Europe Initiative’ to secure speed and scale of finance through public and private pathways for the development and deployment of next generation of biotechnology innovation towards EU growth and global performance.

Simpler EU (Pillar 2) Creating a streamlined and predictable legislative environment for biotechnology and biomanufacturing, including regulatory frameworks and protection of IP, that enables the full strength of the Single Market and unlocks benefits for all citizens.

Stronger together (Pillar 3) Enabling the delivery of biotechnology within strong regional and global value chains, through a skilled and diverse workforce across all EU Member States, accessible capacity and capability, and connectedness for the anchoring and growth of innovation into process and products.