Life sciences – the study of living systems, from cells to ecosystems – are central to our health, environment and economy. They drive innovation in medicine, food and sustainable production, adding nearly €1.5 trillion in value to the EU economy and supporting 29 million jobs across the Union.

Backed by more than €10 billion annually from the current EU budget, the strategy sets out a coordinated approach across the entire life sciences value chain. It aims to accelerate innovation, facilitate market access, and build public trust in new technologies, ensuring they benefit the people and the planet.

The Strategy proposes the following actions:

The Commission will develop an EU investment plan to facilitate funding for multi-country clinical trials and strengthen European clinical research infrastructures. This Strategy will also promote a One Health approach to research and innovation and mobilise up to €100 million under the Horizon Europe work programmes 2026-27 to develop and deploy microbiome-based solutions. Furthermore, €250 million will be mobilised forcross-sectoral life sciences technologies, supporting the development of new products that drive industrial innovation and sustainability, including new approach methodologies, novel molecules, advanced materials and more efficient biomanufacturing.

To speed up market access for life science innovations, the Commission will propose an EU Biotech Act that will create a more innovation-friendly framework across biotech sectors. The Commission will also launch a matchmaking interface to connect startups, industry and investors, leveraging the European Innovation Council portfolio, and its Trusted Investors Network.

The Commission will mobilise €300 million to stimulate the procurement of life science innovation in areas such as climate change adaptation, next-generation vaccines and affordable cancer solutions. The Commission will also set up a Life Science Coordination Group to align policies and funding across sectors, and support engagement with key stakeholders, including industry and citizens.

President von der Leyen announced the Strategy in her political guidelines and it is part of the Competitiveness Compass.

Europe has long been a leader in life sciences, backed by a strong knowledge base and scientific excellence, but is now losing ground to other global players in turning research into real-world solutions. Challenges include fragmented innovation ecosystems, underused data and artificial intelligence, and slow market uptake.

The strategy builds on a public consultation and a large body of evidence, including the Commission's Joint Research Centre's two studies: The Life Sciences sectors in the EU: drivers of economic growth and innovation, which highlights 29 million employed individuals and €1.5 trillion in value added, and Trends in patents in Life Sciences: focus on pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, showing that the EU ranks second globally with 17% of patents filed.