MedTech Europe statement on the publication of the European Commission’s Life Sciences Strategy
Posted on 02.07.2025
MedTech Europe welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s Life Sciences Strategy (LSS) and strongly supports its ambition to position Europe as a global leader in life sciences by 2030. We commend the Commission for taking a holistic approach that recognises the critical role of medical technology alongside pharmaceuticals and biotechnology in advancing health, innovation, and economic growth across Europe.
Medical technology is a critical sector for Europe’s future. The EU’s medical technology industry is one of the continent’s most dynamic and innovative sectors:
- Home to over 37,000 companies—mostly SMEs
- Employing 880,000 people
- Accounting for 8% of all European patent applications
- Generating a positive trade balance of €11 billion annually
We note the Strategy’s focus on regulatory reform. A modern, innovation-friendly and efficient regulatory framework is essential for Europe’s medtech sector to thrive. The LSS must deliver a structural reform of the EU’s medical technology regulations, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose, predictable, and proportionate. This includes:
- Streamlining approval processes
- Promoting risk-based approaches
- Ensuring timely patient access to innovative technologies
- Supporting SMEs and reducing unnecessary administrative burden
However, further regulatory simplification is urgently needed. The Strategy should go beyond sector-specific reforms and address the complexity arising from overlapping frameworks, such as digital, data, and sustainability regulations.
MedTech Europe supports the Commission’s vision that sustained and well-coordinated public and private investment is essential to accelerate medical innovation, strengthen health systems, and ensure Europe’s long-term competitiveness.
While we are pleased to see the Strategy’s commitment to a cross-sectoral and forward-looking vision, further concrete action is needed, and we stand ready to contribute to its successful implementation—including through active engagement in the future LSS Coordination Board.
With effective regulatory reforms, investment and incentives for innovation, Europe can lead again, in inventing, launching, and ensuring patient access to breakthrough health technologies. MedTech Europe remains committed to working with policymakers and stakeholders to achieve the Strategy’s goal: making the EU the world’s most attractive place for life sciences by 2030.
About MedTech Europe
MedTech Europe is the European trade association for the medical technology industry including diagnostics, medical devices and digital health. Our members are national, European and multinational companies as well as a network of national medical technology associations who research, develop, manufacture, distribute and supply health-related technologies, services and solutions.
www.medtecheurope.org.
For more information, please contact:
Miriam D’Ambrosio
Senior Manager Communications
MedTech Europe
[email protected]