Poland is among the European Union countries with low pharmaceutical sovereignty. The value of domestic pharmaceutical production covers only 30% of the population’s needs, while the remaining 70% comes from foreign supplies. Poland’s drug security index has not improved since 2021, and the country’s position compared to other EU member states remains weak. Moreover, out of approximately 450 facilities producing active pharmaceutical ingredients in Europe, only a few are located in Poland, and their output covers just 0.5% of the demand for medicines listed on Poland’s critical drugs list.
The troubling data were presented in a report by the Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development INNOWO. During a press conference, the report’s authors and representatives of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers argued that—especially in the current geopolitical situation—drug security should be treated as a component of national security. Meanwhile, most foreign pharmaceutical supplies originate from Asia.
“Lack of pharmaceutical sovereignty means lack of protection for the army”
A lack of pharmaceutical sovereignty means insufficient medical support for the armed forces, making it impossible to conduct military operations. It also poses the risk of paralysis of the healthcare system, potentially leading to loss of health and life among citizens, as well as destabilization of the state. Finally, it represents a vulnerability that could be exploited in hybrid attacks, said Hubert Bukowski, Research Director at INNOWO.
The situation is even worse when it comes to active substances.
Out of around 450 facilities producing active pharmaceutical ingredients in Europe, only a handful are located in Poland. Their production accounts for just half a percent of the demand for pharmaceuticals included on Poland’s critical medicines list, said Krzysztof Kopeć, President of the National Drug Manufacturers.
Funding and new mechanisms needed
Experts acknowledge the importance of the EU Critical Medicines Act, but believe that at this stage Europe remains closer to declarations than to real instruments. Grzegorz Rychwalski, Vice President of the National Drug Manufacturers, emphasized that if the act is to become more than a political signal, dedicated funding, simplified investment pathways, and a central mechanism for planning and coordinating investments in drug security are necessary.
Representatives of the National Drug Manufacturers argued that without combining new European regulations with real financing—and without changes in the approach to state aid, regional support frameworks, and business predictability—the act will remain largely symbolic.
Among the proposals was the appointment of a government plenipotentiary for drug security, who would coordinate the activities of multiple ministries and institutions.