A week of transatlantic engagement for MedTech Europe
Posted on 05.11.2026
In October 2026, a MedTech Europe delegation travelled to Boston and Washington DC, to attend The MedTech Conference, co-chair the Global Medical Technology Alliance (GMTA) General Assembly and meet with US and EU officials. The visit combined exchanges with international industry partners and discussions on regulatory and trade developments affecting the medical technology sector.
At The MedTech Conference, hosted by AdvaMed on 18–21 October, CEO Oliver Bisazza participated in a panel on the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The discussion focused on implementation challenges and the revision of both regulations. Oliver emphasised the need for reforms that provide greater predictability for manufacturers and support timely patient access while maintaining high safety standards. He also highlighted the importance of a workable regulatory framework for Europe’s competitiveness and its ability to attract medical technology innovation.
MedTech Europe also co-chaired and participated in the GMTA General Assembly on 18 October. The meeting brought together medical technology associations from around the world to exchange on regional developments and ongoing work on cooperation with the World Health Organization, digital health and AI, tariffs and regulatory convergence. These exchanges provided an opportunity to compare experiences across markets and discuss common priorities with partner associations.
In Washington on 21–22 October, the delegation met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the US Department of Commerce and the EU Delegation to the United States. Discussions covered EU–US trade, the transatlantic trade relationship more broadly and regulatory developments affecting the medical technology sector as well as the ongoing US trade investigations.
MedTech Europe reiterated its call for tariff relief for medical devices, IVDs and their essential inputs and components. We highlighted the deeply global and interconnected nature of the medical technology sector and the importance of predictable trade conditions for maintaining reliable supply to healthcare systems.
MedTech Europe will continue engaging with policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic and continue to support efforts to secure tariff relief for EU medical technologies.
For more information, contact Clare Birmingham, Manager International Affairs.