On 1 July 2025, the Commission launched its proposal for a European Life Sciences Strategy. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the sector’s attractiveness and competitiveness by 2030. Life sciences encompass medicine, food and sustainable agriculture, and represent a key area for driving innovation and adding nearly €1,5 trillion in value to the life sciences value chain. The deployment of the Strategy should be supported by an annual budget of €10 billion.
The proposed Strategy would focus on three areas, the first of which is optimising the EU’s research and innovation ecosystem. This should include an EU investment plan as well as the development and deployment of microbiome-based solutions and cross-sectorial life sciences technologies. The EU Biotech Act and a new matchmaking interface connecting startups, industry and investors should support rapid market access for innovation. Procurement of life sciences innovation in key areas should receive €300 million in funding. A new Life Sciences Coordination Group is expected to facilitate the alignment of policies and funding across sectors.