InterChem at URC 2025: Signing of the Ukraine–EU Memorandum on Critical Medicines

Anatoliy Reder, CEO of InterChem and official representative of the Association of Ukrainian Medicines Manufacturers (AULM), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between Ukraine and the EU on Critical Medicines for Europe during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome.

As part of the conference, a workshop titled “Developing Ukraine’s Pharmaceutical Sector as a Guarantee of Access to Critical Medicines for the EU” was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Government, and the European Commission.

The Ukrainian delegation included Mykhailo Radutskyi, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on National Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance; Olha Stefanishyna, Head of the Subcommittee on European Integration; and Anatoliy Reder, CEO of InterChem and official representative of AULM.

On the EU side, participants included Rainer Becker, Head of the Directorate for Medical Products and Innovation (DG SANTE); Grzegorz Cessak, President of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products (Poland); and Adrian van den Hoven, Director General of Medicines for Europe — an association of European manufacturers, of which InterChem has been a long-standing member since 2017.

Amid global economic, logistical, and political turbulence, Europe needs new sources of raw materials and contract manufacturing. This led to the Critical Medicines Act — a strategic partnership program of the European Commission with neighboring countries to strengthen the supply of essential medicines. Ukraine has already joined the initiative, with several domestic producers becoming part of the Critical Medicines Alliance.

Following audits, the EU and WHO missions confirmed that Ukraine is capable of supplying 37 essential medicines produced through a full manufacturing cycle included in the EU’s list of critical medicines. This cooperation is mutually beneficial: the EU gains secure supply sources, while Ukraine accesses new markets. Currently, six Ukrainian manufacturers are being considered for participation in the program.

As noted by Anatoliy Reder, who spoke as both an industry expert and AULM representative, discussions focused on the practical implementation of the Critical Medicines Program. Ukrainian participants proposed that the EU create grants for Ukrainian companies to enable the inclusion of new raw materials in their product dossiers — an initiative welcomed by the European Commission and the attending EU Commissioner.

Additionally, Ukrainian representatives and Medicines for Europe reached a full understanding on the need for mutual recognition of GMP certificates.

“It was Medicines for Europe Director General Adrian van den Hoven who raised this issue. Audits show that Ukraine’s pharmaceutical inspection system is among the most advanced in Europe. However, this remains a political matter, and the final decision lies with the European Commission,” commented Reder.

This cooperation presents a real opportunity for Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies to expand production and supply to EU countries. Europe recognizes that Ukraine’s pharma industry meets high standards and represents a reliable, geographically close partner — capable of competing on price even with global south suppliers.

The prospects of this partnership are exceptionally strong. As emphasized by Reder, discussions will continue in Brussels in the coming months through the efforts of Deputy Minister of Health Maryna Slobodnichenko, with participation from Ukrainian and European producers, the European Commission, and Medicines for Europe.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the Memorandum of Cooperation was officially signed by Edem Adamanov, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine; Anatoliy Reder, as representative of AULM; and Adrian van den Hoven, on behalf of Medicines for Europe. The European Business Association and American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine also took part in the event.

“We hope this document will serve as a foundation for implementing the key provisions of this crucial partnership,” said Anatoliy Reder.