Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001808/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Billy Kelleher (Renew), Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew), Sophie Wilmès (Renew)
The EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment report entitled ‘The changing DNA of serious and organised crime’ underlines growing concerns over pharmaceutical crime, namely the circulation and promotion of counterfeit, falsified, substandard or fraudulently obtained medicines. The report highlights the fact that all types of medicines can be concerned but that there are growing concerns over antidiabetic, weight loss and hormonal substances. Furthermore, pharmaceutical crime has been identified as an enabler for drug crime, as pharmaceuticals are used for the production of synthetic drugs.
The report warns about the theft of medicines, which may occur throughout the supply chain, in locations ranging from manufacturing sites to hospitals, and the illicit manufacturing of pharmaceuticals within EU-based clandestine laboratories.
Pharmaceutical crime poses a clear risk to public health and safety, undermines the European pharmaceutical industry and incurs significant economic losses.
- 1.What action does the Commission intend to take to fight pharmaceutical crime?
- 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to protect EU patients and to better inform them about the risks posed by counterfeit medicines for their health and safety?
- 3.Does the Commission intend to work with the Council to include pharmaceutical crime as one of the top EU crime priorities under EMPACT (the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) for the post-2025 period?
Submitted: 5.5.2025