Support is building in Brussels for the creation of an EU-wide company status, an initiative intended to simplify how businesses operate across the single market. The proposal would allow companies to register and function under a single European legal framework, rather than navigating 27 national systems for incorporation, reporting, and compliance.

A new report by Copenhagen Economics, commissioned by the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE), raises concerns about how proposed changes to US drug pricing policy could impact medicine availability and research investment in Europe.

In late November, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health adopted an important update to its methodology for developing and implementing evidence-based medical standards. The revised framework expands the list of international “trusted sources” that can be used when drafting national clinical guidelines and standards of care.

Healthcare expenditure in the European Union reached 10% of GDP in 2023, according to newly released Eurostat figures. This confirms healthcare as one of the largest areas of public and private spending across the EU, reflecting both post-pandemic pressures and longer-term trends linked to ageing populations, workforce shortages, and rising demand for care.

The European Union has formally adopted the Biotech Act, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen Europe’s position in global biotechnology. The legislation introduces longer periods of market exclusivity for medicines that are developed and manufactured in the EU, alongside commitments to speed up clinical trial procedures.

On 10 December, Francisca Silva, Project Officer at PAREA, attended the European Parliament event launching the Headway Mental Health Index 5.0, developed by Angelini Pharma and TEHA Group | The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA Group).

On 4 December, Francisca Silva, Project Officer at PAREA, took part in PSYCH Symposium in London - this year co-organised with Drug Science. The symposium is one of Europe's leading gatherings for the industry’s most influential figures to connect, collaborate, and expedite the adoption of psychedelic healthcare.

The European Commission has adopted the final set of Horizon Europe work programmes for the years 2026–2027, outlining about €41 billion in funding for research and innovation projects across all clusters and missions. This marks the last programming cycle under Horizon Europe before the EU moves to its next framework programme, FP10.

A new report by PAREA’s member GAMIAN-Europe, Patient-centred Solutions to Addressing Unmet, Complex and Multiple Mental Health Needs, reinforces that access to appropriate mental health care is a fundamental human right, yet many people across Europe continue to struggle to receive timely, coordinated, and effective support.

The Independent Psychedelic Evidence Assessment Working Group (IPEA-WG) has been launched at the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, with support from Norrsken Mind. This multidisciplinary group brings together scientists, philosophers and health experts to provide rigorous, independent guidance on the evaluation of psychedelic therapies.