The Irish government has renewed its appeal to the European Commission to establish a dedicated pharmaceutical taskforce, as growing trade tensions with the United States raise concerns across Europe’s life sciences sector.
Dublin is urging Brussels to launch a structured “strategic dialogue” between pharmaceutical companies, EU institutions, and member states, citing increasing instability in global trade conditions and the risk of new tariffs targeting the industry.
The push comes after Donald Trump announced plans for sweeping 100 percent tariffs on certain pharmaceutical imports under a Section 232 investigation. The US administration has argued that reliance on foreign-made drugs could pose a national security risk. If implemented, the tariffs could take effect within 120 days, with smaller manufacturers granted a longer transition period.
At present, most European pharmaceutical exports to the United States face a 15 percent tariff, although some firms benefit from reduced or zero rates in exchange for investment commitments or pricing agreements in the US market.
In a letter seen by RTÉ News, Irish ministers including Tánaiste Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke called on the Commission to revisit earlier proposals for a pharmaceutical working group or taskforce.
The letter argues that such a forum would be particularly important given ongoing US tariff threats and a parallel Section 232 investigation into medical devices. It stresses that coordinated engagement would help the EU better manage risks affecting one of its most strategically important industries.
Irish officials highlighted the significance of the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, describing them as central to European research, innovation, and employment. These industries, they noted, generate high-value jobs, tax revenue, and support broader supply chains across multiple regions.
The government also said it intends to prioritise the sector during Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the EU, aligning with Brussels’ broader efforts to simplify regulation and improve competitiveness within the single market.
The letter welcomed initiatives such as the proposed European Biotech Act and efforts to modernise EU medical device regulations, describing them as steps that could strengthen the region’s innovation base.
At the same time, Ireland warned that global uncertainty requires a more proactive approach to safeguarding the sector’s long-term stability. It expressed willingness to work closely with other member states and industry stakeholders to advance the proposal.
The debate comes as EU-US trade relations face renewed strain. Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is prepared for “every scenario” following threats of higher US tariffs on European cars and trucks. She reiterated that existing trade commitments remain in place but acknowledged that implementation challenges persist on both sides.
EU officials continue to stress commitment to the transatlantic trade agreement, while also signalling that the bloc is keeping its policy options open as negotiations with Washington continue.
The outcome of these discussions is expected to play a key role in shaping future relations between the EU and US, particularly in strategically sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing.
