Greek Pharma Emerges as Key Pillar of Europe’s Drug Security

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Greece’s pharmaceutical industry is strengthening Europe’s production capacity, supply security and strategic autonomy, the Panhellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF) said during a visit by a delegation from the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee (SANT).

The delegation visited Greece at a critical time for European pharmaceutical policy, as the European Union seeks to address medicine shortages, strengthen supply security and reduce dependence on third countries.

The EU is placing particular emphasis on developing production capacity for medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within Europe, according to PEF.

Greece has significant advantages in this effort, including a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing facilities, specialised personnel, technical expertise and substantial investment in research and development, the association said.

During the visit, PEF presented European lawmakers with an overview of the sector and its contribution to European priorities involving critical medicines, supply security and competitiveness.

Greece currently operates 51 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and 31 research and development centres, while domestic pharmaceutical companies continue to invest in production infrastructure, advanced technologies, research and skilled personnel.

PEF said this capacity serves more than the Greek market, forming part of Europe’s broader manufacturing base and strengthening the resilience of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Tripoli emerges as a new pharmaceutical hub

A central part of the delegation’s visit involved the Industrial Area of Tripoli, where major investments by DEMO, WinMedica of the ELPEN Group and FARAN are creating a new pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

The MEPs visited DEMO’s new facilities for the development and production of oncology and penicillin-based medicines.

The delegation also received presentations on investments by WinMedica and FARAN, which are further expanding the region’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.

PEF described Tripoli as a strong example of how regional industrial development can support Europe’s strategic priorities in healthcare and pharmaceutical security.

The investments are also creating highly specialised jobs and new opportunities in research, technology and development.

Greece targets a bigger role in European pharmaceutical production

PEF said Greece has the key elements needed to play a larger role in Europe’s emerging pharmaceutical manufacturing architecture: a strong industrial base, scientific and manufacturing expertise, skilled personnel and significant investment potential.

“The strengthening of this base is a national and European priority,” PEF said. “Europe needs more production within its borders, diversified supply chains and stronger capabilities to manufacture critical medicines and raw materials.”

The association said the €1.8 billion in investments currently being implemented by the Greek pharmaceutical industry could support this effort and help transform Greece into a European pharmaceutical manufacturing and technology hub.

The SANT delegation’s visit highlighted the Greek pharmaceutical industry’s contribution to strengthening Europe’s manufacturing capacity and pharmaceutical security, PEF said.

DEMO chief highlights European significance of Greek investments

Dimitris Demos, PEF vice-president and chairman and CEO of DEMO, said investments currently taking place in Greece represent investments in European manufacturing capacity.

“The investments taking place today in Greece are investments in European production capacity,” Demos said.

“Greece can make a substantial contribution to strengthening Europe’s resilience, supply security and strategic autonomy.”

He said the SANT committee’s presence in Athens and Tripoli provided an important opportunity to show European lawmakers the capabilities Greece already possesses and highlighted the growing importance of the Greek pharmaceutical industry in the European debate over the future of medicine production.

“Greece has the foundation, while the Greek pharmaceutical industry has the expertise and investment potential,” Demos said.

“The challenge is to harness this potential within a coherent European strategy for greater production, stronger resilience and supply security.”

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