Austria Urges EU to Act on Antibiotic Shortages
Austria is pressing the European Union to respond to growing shortages of essential medicines, especially antibiotics, warning that Europe must secure its own supply chains.
Health and Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann and Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer have called on the European Commission to introduce a dedicated EU-wide antibiotics plan. Their proposal aims to expand production within Europe and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
“The reliable supply of antibiotics is a basic condition for a functioning healthcare system,” Schumann said, stressing that Europe should not remain dependent on external sources for critical medicines.
Hattmannsdorfer described the issue as both a security and industrial challenge. He warned that Europe cannot depend on supply chains it does not control, particularly when it comes to life-saving drugs.
In a joint letter sent to EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné and Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the ministers outlined several measures. These include targeted investment in key production facilities, increased European funding for antibiotic manufacturing, and stronger support for European-based companies in public procurement.
The push comes as medicine shortages continue to affect several countries, driven by global supply disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions.
Austria also pointed to efforts at home. In Kundl, a major pharmaceutical site in Tyrol, the government is supporting antibiotic production by Sandoz with around 50 million euros in funding, part of which has already been delivered.
