The International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies (AIM) has published its position on the European Commission’s proposal for a Critical Medicines Act, representing the views of its members across Europe. While AIM welcomes the EU’s efforts to strengthen medicines security and reduce supply dependencies, it stresses the need for a transparent and solidarity-driven approach.

“The Critical Medicines Act is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on how transparently and inclusively it is implemented. AIM urges the EU to ensure that solidarity and sustainability remain at the heart of all measures”, stated Verena Nold, Vice-President for Europe at AIM.

AIM underlines that the Union List of Critical Medicines must be regularly updated through a transparent and inclusive process, involving the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Member States, and relevant stakeholders. A dynamic and collaborative approach is essential to ensure the list remains relevant and responsive to evolving public health needs.

AIM also supports the expansion and diversification of voluntary collaborative procurement mechanisms as a concrete and effective way to enhance supply security, improve affordability, and foster solidarity among Member States.

The Association welcomes the Act’s focus on strategic projects to boost pharmaceutical production capacity within the EU but highlights that adequate and sustainable funding must be secured. Such investments must not jeopardize the financial sustainability of solidarity-based health insurance systems, which are a cornerstone of equitable healthcare across the EU.

In line with its commitment to equity and accountability, AIM calls for full transparency in all aspects of the proposed measures, particularly regarding stockpiling arrangements. This is essential to avoid market distortions and ensure fair and needs-based distribution of medicines across the Union.

Finally, AIM urges the Commission to provide clarity on the allocation of public funding and to establish robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms in international partnerships aimed at diversifying sources of medicines and reducing dependence on non-EU suppliers.