Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, ALDE's lead candidate for the June elections and Chairperson of Germany’s Defence Committee, emphasizes the need for a collective European security strategy to protect against threats like Russia. She advocates for a coordinated EU foreign policy and a stronger European identity. Strack-Zimmermann criticizes the rise of nationalist parties and the current European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, for not addressing Europe's security and adding bureaucracy. The interview also touches on the importance of legal migration to Europe and the need to protect borders from illegal immigration.

Researchers at the University of Limerick, in collaboration with University Hospital Limerick and Queen’s University Belfast, have discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Pseudocitrobacter limerickensis, in a hospital setting. The discovery, which has implications for global health due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. The study highlights the importance of addressing AMR, which the WHO has declared a top global public health threat. Ireland's approach to AMR includes a One Health National Action Plan, and the private sector is also taking steps, with Sandoz and Teva receiving AMR certification from the British Standards Institute. The European Commission is considering AMR in its reform of pharmaceutical legislation, with the pharmaceutical trade body EFPIA advocating for incentives to develop new antimicrobials.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has raised concerns to the Oireachtas about the slow access to innovative medicines in Ireland, with some patients waiting up to 1,000 days. Medicines available in other European countries and Northern Ireland are delayed in Ireland due to a complex approvals process and insufficient funding. MEP Grace O’Sullivan criticized the two-tier health system and called for procurement reforms. The Health Service Executive is responsible for drug pricing and reimbursement decisions, but the process has been criticized for not aligning with faster adoption rates in other countries. The Department of Health acknowledges the voluntary nature of the private health insurance market and its limitations. A Mazars Review found the reimbursement process to be in line with international norms but identified areas for improvement. Ipsos polling indicates that a majority of Irish people believe access to new medicines is slower in Ireland compared to Europe, especially for rare diseases and cancer.

The political agreement on the AI Act could give Europe a competitive edge, but there's a risk of widening the EU's regional innovation divide. McKinsey's report highlights the need for Europe to nurture its startup ecosystem to close the gap with the US. EIT Health and the Regional Innovation Scheme aim to promote healthcare innovation across Europe, especially in regions with modest innovation capacity. The EIT Community maps synergies across industries and focuses on upskilling to prevent brain drain. Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasizes the need to mobilize private funds for health innovation. The Horizon Europe funding program and the Venture Centre of Excellence, operated by EIT Health and the European Investment Fund, are key initiatives supporting this goal. Success stories like iLof, Iyoni, and Ligence illustrate the potential of cross-regional collaboration and high-quality innovation projects.

Dutch experts, including Wim de Vries of Wageningen University, highlight the challenges of meeting the EU's ambitious nitrogen emission targets. A €1.5 billion buyout scheme for Dutch farmers aims to halve emissions by 2030, but faces criticism for its impact on production and environmental sustainability. The European Environmental Bureau criticizes the European Commission's approach, while COPA-COGECA and FoodDrinkEurope express concerns over profitability and resource allocation. De Vries emphasizes the need for a balance in fertilizer use, efficient farming practices, reduced meat consumption, and food waste to address the issue comprehensively.

The Irish government has set up an Expert Taskforce to explore the potential for pharmacists to play a more significant role in healthcare, acknowledging their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the shortage of GPs. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced plans to allow pharmacists to extend prescription validity from six to 12 months. Clare Fitzell from the Irish Pharmacy Union highlighted the trust and accessibility of pharmacists to patients, their ability to manage patient care, and the importance of recognizing pharmacists' expertise to alleviate GP workload.

Ireland has become the largest net exporter of pharmaceuticals in the EU and a significant global player due to a consistent government strategy that attracted investment. With major pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland, the country's success is attributed to a long-term policy, English-speaking workforce, and strategic location. The pharmaceutical sector employs 50,000 people and has seen substantial investments, such as Wyeth Pharmaceuticals' €1.5 billion in 2005. Despite an upcoming corporate tax rate increase, Ireland's pharmaceutical industry is expected to remain strong due to its robust economy, skilled workforce, and international trade policy.

Ireland's Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has appointed Professor Mary Horgan to lead the creation of a new agency focused on emerging health threats, including infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. Horgan, with a distinguished background in infectious diseases, will deliver her proposal to the government in six months. The agency aims to consolidate expertise and resources to enhance Ireland's preparedness for health threats. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are mentioned as part of the broader health infrastructure and partnerships.