The European Commission is set to unveil a new ‘EU Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative’ on Wednesday, showcasing the importance of life science technologies in various sectors. This initiative will focus on the biopharmaceutical sector, including breakthrough mRNA molecules in COVID-19 vaccines, as well as biotech applications in sustainable sourcing, climate-smart production, and a ‘blue’ biotech industry. The initiative will aim to survey the current status of the biotech sector and address future challenges to guide policy efforts for the next legislative mandate.
The European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 office programs came under scrutiny by the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Wojciech Wiewiórowski, who found that the commission breached EU rules on transfers of personal data outside the EU. As a result, the commission has been ordered to suspend all data flows resulting from its use of Microsoft 365 to Microsoft and its affiliates located in countries outside the EU/EEA that do not have a data transfer agreement. The commissioner responsible for admin, Johannes Hahn, must demonstrate compliance with these orders by December 2024.
In the realm of policy, key diary dates include the European Parliament’s committee vote on the reform of EU pharmaceutical rules on Tuesday, the presentation of the EU Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative on Wednesday, and the European Commission workshops on the Digital Markets Act with gatekeepers from Tuesday to Friday. Policymakers are looking at regulatory simplification in the life science sector, particularly in biotech, as it gains attention for its potential in various industries. Policy ideas, such as a one-stop shop for biotech manufacturing permits and authorizations, may be proposed as part of the initiative.
The EU Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative aims to address the challenges facing the biotech sector and provide policy efforts to support its growth. This initiative is the first dedicated attempt to focus on biotech and is likely to set the tone for future policy directions under the next legislative mandate. With economic security and strategic autonomy as key priorities for the commission, biotech has been identified as a critical technology alongside semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The defence imperative for European independence in critical technologies is driving the commission’s focus on these sectors.
A poll on the use of profits generated by Russian state assets frozen in Europe offers options to keep the funds in trust for Russia, use them to rebuild Ukraine, or use them to arm Ukraine. The results of this poll and other policy developments can be followed through a weekly newsletter, “The Policy Briefing,” which provides insights on European rulemaking, policy issues, key events, and data trends. The European Commission is urged to comply with data protection rules and ensure that personal data transferred outside the EU is done so in accordance with the law to protect individuals’ privacy and rights.
