The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a new opinion, urging the EU to accelerate biotechnology development, warning that Europe risks falling behind global competitors while patients face delays in accessing new treatments.

The opinion responds to the European Commission’s recent proposals under the European Biotech Act, aiming to streamline biotech regulation, promote large-scale investment, and support innovation. While expanding rapidly worldwide, much of the investment and production in biotechnology is taking place in the United States and China. According to the EESC, this is the result of long-standing structural weaknesses. 'We must address gaps in venture capital and speed up clinical trials to ensure patients benefit sooner from innovative medicines,' said the EESC rapporteur of the opinion, Joan Roget Alemany.

The impact goes beyond industrial competitiveness. Dependence on external suppliers creates risks for supply and resilience whereas delays in innovation mean that patients in Europe may wait longer to access life-saving treatments. To address this, the EESC calls for a stronger European biotech ecosystem linking research, investment and production.

A central issue is funding. To encourage growth, the EESC supports a two-year 'capital booster' financial pilot to attract private investment. At the same time, it calls for closer links between universities, research centres and industry to ensure scientific breakthroughs reach the market. Targeted incentives for innovation should further support investment. 

On regulation, the EESC identifies complexities and inconsistencies across Member States as a major obstacle. To reduce delays and make the EU more attractive for innovation, it proposes clearer and more harmonised procedures. Moreover, the Committee backs regulatory sandboxes to test new technologies, if they are aligned across the EU and consider ‘social acceptability’.

The EESC stresses that speeding up innovation must not weaken safeguards. Biotech applications should continue to undergo strict checks before reaching the market. The Committee further supports a digital by default approach, including the use of artificial intelligence in clinical trials, when clear rules are in place and human oversight is maintained. It also highlights the need to strengthen clinical trials in Europe. Prevention should play a larger role, alongside more inclusive approaches to ensure access for all patient groups.

The Committee is assertive that simplification must not become deregulation. Protections for workers, the environment and health and safety must be maintained. To support the publics trust in biotechnology, the EESC calls for better communication and dialogue to ensure citizens understand both the benefits and the risks. (gb/je)