##  [Why Europe matters to Novartis](/about/novartis-and-european-union/why-europe-matters-novartis "Why Europe matters to Novartis")

 Europe has a strong tradition of scientific excellence in the life sciences. From fundamental research to breakthrough treatments, medical innovation has improved patient outcomes, strengthened healthcare systems, and contributed to Europe’s economy through high-skilled jobs, research investment and advanced manufacturing.

For Novartis, Europe is central to the full innovation lifecycle; it’s where science, clinical research, healthcare policy, manufacturing and patient access come together.

A strong European life sciences ecosystem can accelerate the development of new medicines. Timely access is one indicator of whether innovation reaches patients. According to the 2025 WAIT Indicator, the average time from marketing authorization to patient availability ranged from 158 to 1,100 days across the countries assessed. Differences in access timelines may affect patients, healthcare systems and the broader societal value of innovation.

**Novartis’ EU priorities**

To help address these challenges, Novartis advocates for:

- Innovation-friendly pharmaceutical legislation
- Timely and equitable patient access to medicines
- A competitive European environment for research, development and advanced manufacturing
- Faster and more harmonized clinical trial approvals
- Health systems ready to adopt next-generation biotechnologies
- Resilient and secure medicine supply chains
- Strong intellectual property protection
- Continued investment in innovative medicines
- Sustainable environmental protection