The EU needs to be able to issue compulsory licenses for some medicines during a crisis : BEUC recommendations for the trilogue negotiations

In April 2023, the European Commission published a proposal on compulsory licensing for crisis management. This is one of several measures launched in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce the European Union’s capacity to protect citizens from health threats. With the EU institutions locked in negotiations on this text, BEUC stresses the importance of establishing a scheme that allows the European Commission to react swiftly and effectively during a health crisis. This requires three things:

1. Facilitating the sharing of trade secrets

2. Provide flexibility on the identification of rights-holders

3. Make it possible to waive voluntary license requirements