Policy priorites
Investing in Europe’s Health: How the Pharmaceutical Industry Transforms Lives

An interview with Emma Charles, SVP, BMS

November 03, 2025     
Investing in Europe’s Health: How the Pharmaceutical Industry Transforms Lives

So if we think at the Pharmaceutical industry in Europe, I have to tell you that it's a vibrant industry.

It is an industry that is a key pillar for the economy in Europe.

Why? Basically for three reason.

The first one is because we are transforming the life of patient in Europe and we're improving healthcare and well-being.

The second is because we are an amazing employer in terms of work force, in terms of choosing the right scientist, looking at discovery, employing a large number of people.

If you think about the number of people employed by this industry in Europe, it's more than a million.

And the last piece is because of the economical strategic pillar we represent as an industry.

The pharmaceutical innovative industry in Europe represent very favourable trade balance of over 220 billion yearly.

And if you look at the investment we bring into R&D as an industry, it's over €55 billion invested every year in research and development.

 

Europe’s pharmaceutical industry is a driving force for both health and economic progress. It employs over a million people, invests billions each year in research and development, and transforms the lives of patients through innovative treatments.

Europe offers a unique ecosystem for science, featuring world-class universities, medical research centers, and diverse partnerships that enable the development and delivery of breakthrough medicines. Universal patient coverage ensures that treatments are available to those who need them, although access timelines can vary between countries.

In this video, Emma Charles, SVP Europe Region, highlights its commitment to reducing these inequalities, accelerating access to innovation, and sustaining investments across Europe. Strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with BioNTech to co-develop oncology treatments, demonstrate how the company works to bring new therapies to patients worldwide.

The video also emphasizes the importance of maintaining intellectual property protections, recognizing the value of innovative medicines, and supporting Europe’s competitiveness as a hub for life-changing healthcare solutions.