Commission launches proposal for new Life Science Strategy

On 2 July 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for a new Life Science Strategy to make Europe the most attractive place in the world for life sciences by 2030. The strategy sets out a coordinated approach across the entire life sciences value chain. It aims to accelerate innovation, facilitate market access, and build public trust in new technologies.

The Strategy proposes the following actions:

Optimising the research and innovation ecosystem

The Commission plans to create an EU investment plan aimed at making it easier to fund multinational clinical trials and reinforce Europe’s clinical research infrastructure. This strategy will also encourage the integration of a One Health perspective in research and innovation, with up to €100 million from the Horizon Europe programmes (2026-2027) allocated to the development and implementation of microbiome-based solutions. Additionally, €250 million will be dedicated to cross-sector life science technologies, supporting the creation of innovative products that promote industrial progress and sustainability, including new experimental methods, advanced molecules, new materials, and more efficient biomanufacturing techniques.

Enabling rapid market access for life science innovations

To accelerate the introduction of life science breakthroughs to the market, the Commission intends to suggest an EU Biotech Act, designed to establish a more favourable environment for innovation across the biotechnology sector. They will also introduce a matchmaking platform to connect startups, businesses, and investors, making use of resources such as the European Innovation Council's portfolio and its Trusted Investors Network.

Boosting trust, uptake and use of innovation

The Commission will allocate €300 million to encourage the purchase and implementation of innovative life science solutions in fields like climate adaptation, next-generation vaccines, and affordable cancer treatments. Moreover, a Life Science Coordination Group will be created to harmonise policies and funding between sectors, while also fostering collaboration with important stakeholders, including industry representatives and the public.

Various EU programmes (including Horizon Europe) are to support measures to implement the strategy in the current MFF with more than € 10 billion annually. There are links to numerous other initiatives, such as in the field of AI, the update of the Bioeconomy Strategy, as well as the ERA Policy Action and the ERA Act.

The adoption of Council Conclusions on this strategy is planned for the Competitiveness Council (Research) on 30 September 2ß25. Next week, the European Parliament is planning to adopt the report on the 'Future of the EU biotechnology and bioproduction sector'.

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