Cyprus Pushes For EU-Wide Joint Procurement To Tackle Medicine Shortages

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

Cyprus is making a bold move to address persistent medicine shortages by championing a voluntary joint procurement mechanism among EU member states. Health Minister Michael Damianos reiterated the island nation’s proposal at a high-level conference in Brussels, highlighting the challenges small markets face in securing essential drugs.

A Growing Crisis For Small Markets

Speaking on 19 February, Damianos took part in a panel alongside EU health ministers, European Commission officials, and industry leaders. He stressed that limited market size makes Cyprus vulnerable to supply disruptions, leading to shortages of key medicines. His proposed solution? A collaborative EU approach where countries voluntarily pool their purchasing power to ensure stable supply chains.

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A Call For Stronger Incentives And EU Regulations

Beyond procurement, Damianos emphasized the need for new EU incentives to boost the production of both innovative and critical medicines, reducing Europe’s reliance on external suppliers. He also pointed to the importance of legislative changes that would support pharmaceutical manufacturing within the EU.

Cyprus’ initiative has already gained traction among several EU partners. If implemented, it could set a precedent for how smaller markets navigate global pharmaceutical challenges—ensuring that access to essential medicines isn’t dictated by market size.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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