The European Commission has presented a comprehensive strategy to make the European Union the world's most attractive location for life sciences by 2030. The aim of the initiative is to specifically exploit the potential of life sciences for health, the environment and the economy and to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in the global innovation arena.
The life sciences - the study of living systems - play a central role in medical, industrial and environmental innovation. According to the EU Commission, they currently contribute around 1.5 trillion euros to the European economy and secure around 29 million jobs across the EU.
The strategy is financed from existing EU budget funds with more than 10 billion euros per year. It pursues an integrated approach along the entire value chain and includes measures in three key areas:
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Funding for research and innovation
The Commission is planning an EU-wide investment plan to support cross-border clinical trials and strengthen the infrastructure for clinical research. Horizon Europe will provide up to €100 million for microbiome-based solutions and €250 million for cross-sector technologies, such as new molecules, materials and bioproduction methods.
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Easier market access for innovations
A planned EU biotech law is intended to create a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment. In addition, a platform for brokering partnerships between start-ups, industry and investors is planned, utilising the network of the European Innovation Council, among others.
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Strengthening trust and acceptance
The public procurement of innovative life science solutions - for example for climate adaptation, vaccines or affordable cancer treatments - is to be provided with 300 million euros. A newly created coordination group will also bundle cross-sectoral policy approaches and promote dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
The strategy is based on the political guidelines of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is part of the EU Competitiveness Compass. It addresses existing challenges such as fragmented innovation structures, the slow use of AI and data and the slow market uptake of new technologies.
The strategy is based, among other things, on two studies by the EU Commission's Joint Research Centre, which analyse the economic importance of life sciences and Europe's position in a global innovation comparison. One of the studies shows that the EU registers around 17% of all life sciences patents worldwide, putting it in second place behind the USA. The high importance of the sector for the European government is also evident in the appeal to (particularly US) scientists, which is also backed by funding under the moto "Choose Europe" to increase the attractiveness of the European research landscape.
News from "transkipt" from 02.07.2025
