The EU reached agreement on the Critical Medicines Act, a policy package aimed at reducing drug shortages by strengthening European manufacturing capacity and enabling member states to coordinate joint procurement for critical medicines. The framework follows COVID-era supply chain disruptions and is designed to improve access to medicines, including orphans. The act includes requirements to prioritize supply-chain security and diversification over lowest-price procurement. It also establishes “buy European” incentives and fast-track pathways for permitting and access to EU funding to build and modernize manufacturing facilities.