Oliver Schenk· PPE

Confirmed

Supply shortages are everyday life in many Member States and continue to increase.

Omissions

• The ECA Special Report 19/2025 confirms shortages are a 'chronic headache' and a 'frequent threat to public health', but also notes that EU measures have had some added value in addressing the problem
• The EMA data specifically refers to 'critical shortages' reported by national authorities, not all types of supply shortages
• The ECA report was published in September 2025, shortly before the claim was made in March 2026

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Court of Auditors - Special Report 19/2025: Critical shortages of medicinesCritical shortages of medicines have become a frequent threat to public health throughout the EU. 136 critical shortages reported to EMA between 2022 and October 2024.
• SecondaryEuronews - EU medicine shortages at record levels, auditors reportBetween 2022 and October 2024, national authorities reported 136 critical shortages to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Medicine shortages hit record high.
• SecondaryBMJ - EU medicine shortages hit record high last yearEuropean Court of Auditors Special report 19/2025 confirms critical shortages of medicines reached record levels in the EU.