Today, the EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance was launched by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during a high-level breakfast at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. MEPs have set out a clear ambition to strengthen the EU’s leadership in biotechnology.
The EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance is a MEP-led platform bringing together MEPs across political groups with the shared goal of advancing a competitive, innovative, and socially responsible biotechnology and life sciences sector in Europe.
Our shared vision is making Europe the best place in the world to invest in, innovate, produce, and use biotechnology products.
With Europe’s goal to lead in biotechnology and its applications across health and sustainability, as well as to boost its competitiveness, strategic autonomy and resilience, the Alliance will serve as a forum for structured dialogue with sector experts, academia, civil society, and advocacy groups and for stakeholder engagement and parliamentary collaboration.
Work programme priorities for the group include enabling sustainable agriculture, advancing understanding of CRISPR gene-editing technologies, boosting patient access to life-saving therapies for cancers and rare diseases, strengthening biodefence and biosecurity, decarbonising our industry and reducing pollution, exploring convergence with artificial intelligence (AI) and translating basic research into real products.
Quote from the Chair
The Alliance Chair, MEP Stine Bosse, said: “biotech and the life sciences are critical technologies that are fundamental for Europe’s prosperity, security, and strategic autonomy. Now is the time for the European Parliament to shape our joint vision for the upcoming Biotech Act. I’m delighted to launch the EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance today, which gathers MEPs across political groups and committees committed to advancing understanding and policymaking across pharmaceuticals and public health, industrial decarbonisation and climate, as well as agriculture and foodtech.”
Background
As the world faces urgent challenges – from ensuring food security and pandemic preparedness to accelerating the green and digital transitions – biotechnology stands at the crossroads of innovation and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Biotech is a critical technology (as recognised by President von der Leyen, the Draghi report, and the EU Competitiveness Compass) that allows us to create life-saving medicines, decarbonise manufacturing, and reduce pollution in key sectors including agriculture. It is also the subject of fierce geopolitical competition for technology know-how, talent, and investment.
The 2024-2029 EU legislative term presents a unique opportunity for the European Union to advance its global leadership in biotechnology and life sciences. With a host of significant legislative initiatives on the horizon – from the Biotech Act to the Vision for Agriculture and Food, and revisions of pharmaceutical and research frameworks – this political mandate emphasises the need to boost competitiveness, improve healthcare outcomes and the quality of life of our citizens and promote sustainability.
The Alliance will serve as a dynamic, cross-party platform for MEPs to engage with the biotech ecosystem by fostering open dialogue with stakeholders, promoting regional cooperation and policy alignment.
Looking ahead
The EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance will maintain an active presence through regular activities such as expert briefings, roundtable discussions, and monthly policy reports.
For more information about the EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance and the launch event, please visit our website biolifesciences.eu and follow the Alliance on LinkedIn.
The EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance is an MEP-led platform bringing together MEPs across political groups with the shared goal of advancing a competitive, innovative, and socially responsible biotechnology and life sciences sector in Europe.
Media contact
Email: secretariat@biolifesciences.eu
Find out more about the EU Biotech and Life Sciences Alliance on our website biolifesciences.eu and on LinkedIn.
