A proposal for a voluntary EU cooperation mechanism ensuring availability and access to innovative drugs was put forward by Health Minister Michalis Damianos at Tuesday’s EU health council in Brussels.

Damianos’ proposal received great interest on a European level and would initially focus on cancer drugs, which are subject to health technology evaluations, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The proposal provides for a flexible framework of cooperation that would enhance the negotiating power of the member states, secure fair prices and safety, and support SMEs.

Cyprus, along with Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Malta and Slovenia, call on the European Commission to look into the proposal and provide guidance.

The initiative was also supported by Czechia, Estonia, Lithuania and Portugal.

The health ministry said Cyprus’ proposal was well-received by international media, such as Politico, Euractiv and Contexte.

Speaking at the meeting, Damianos referred to the need to improve availability and accessibility for small markets, such as Cyprus.

On the sidelines of the health council, Damianos held a series of meetings to discuss priorities in view of Cyprus’ EU presidency in 2026.

He also participated in the European Health Summit, which discussed the future of the EU’s health policy, where he outlined the challenges faced by Cyprus in the supply of pharmaceuticals as a small EU country.