It can be difficult to reflect on the importance of achievements as they occur.

As another year approaches however, it’s the perfect opportunity to think back on the key moments that helped define the last 12 months. When we do this, we can see that even the seemingly minor achievements combine to create a full picture of change, progression and success.

For our EU Projects team in 2019, this reflection created a detailed picture of events, papers, discussions, and movements that contributed to tangible change in EU policy, regulation and guidelines around access to medicines. This included organising an event in the EU Parliament in Brussels, speaking at the 72nd World Health Assembly and developing reports on everything from socially sustainable licensing policies to clinical trials in the European Union.

We spoke to our EU Projects Policy Advisor, Ellie White, to gain an insight into the most memorable moments within the past year. As is evident in the video below, the year was exciting, dynamic and memorable. Importantly, it continued to build on previous work to make an impact on EU policy and create greater access to medicines to affordable, safe, effective and quality-assured medicines.

Now, at the dawn of a new decade, we will continue to push for greater access to essential medicines and for that all important goal: the fulfillment of the human right to health.

To make this a reality, we continue to call on governments in Europe to make use of all available tools, including the flexibilities in the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, and increased transparency of medicine prices and the cost of research & development.

2020 will bring a new year, a new decade, and even more opportunities to add to our work from 2019.