Integrating Biodefence into the European Competitiveness Fund: A Strategic Imperative

Our new paper highlights the urgent need to recognise antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as both a public health threat and a security priority, calling for its integration into the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).

AMR at the crossroads of health and security

Recent developments, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, have demonstrated the growing link between armed conflict and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The rise of multidrug-resistant infections among wounded soldiers has underscored the critical importance of effective antibiotics and resilient healthcare systems across Europe.
AMR is now widely recognised as a serious cross-border threat, with implications for preparedness, resilience and economic stability.

A dual challenge: manufacturing and innovation

The paper identifies two urgent priorities:

• Preserving manufacturing capacity in Europe
  European antibiotic production is under severe pressure due to structural disadvantages, including higher energy costs and pricing systems focused on the lowest price. Without intervention, remaining production capacities risk disappearing, increasing strategic dependency.
• Revitalising antimicrobial R&D
  The development pipeline for new treatments remains insufficient. Market failures have driven major pharmaceutical companies away from antibiotic development, making public intervention essential to restore investment and innovation.

A call for a dedicated biodefence approach

To address these challenges, the paper calls for:

• The inclusion of a biodefence component within the ECF
• The creation of a dedicated fund to support antimicrobial R&D and manufacturing
• Financial mechanisms designed to leverage private investment
• Ensuring access for SMEs, which play a key role in biotech innovation
• Such measures would strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, crisis preparedness and industrial resilience, while supporting both civilian and defence healthcare systems.

Strengthening Europe’s resilience

As Europe seeks to enhance its competitiveness and security, integrating biodefence into its investment strategy is no longer optional — it is essential.

Read the full paper here