On 6 November, the Steering Committee of the Beneluxa Initiative met in Vienna, and were kindly hosted by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection and the Austrian National Public Health Institute / Gesundheit Österreich GmbH. Representatives of the Steering Committee used the occasion to review ongoing activities, discuss current challenges in pharmaceutical policy and agree on next steps for the Initiative.
The agenda covered various topics:
- National updates: Members provided a short report on recent policy developments in their countries.
- Activities of the Initiative: The General Manager presented a report on the work carried out since the previous meeting, outlining progress made and the priorities for the months ahead.
- High-priced medicines in the inpatient sector: A policy discussion focused on negotiations for high-priced medicines used in hospitals, with members exchanging on national approaches and experiences.
- Geopolitical developments: The Steering Committee also discussed geopolitical developments, their influence shaping pricing and reimbursement, and how the Initiative can respond to these developments.
- Communication and outreach: Finally, members discussed outreach activities and to strengthen dialogue with partners and stakeholders.
Our thanks go to our Austrian colleagues for welcoming us in Vienna and for the excellent organisation of the meeting. The discussions will feed directly into the Initiative’s work towards affordable, accessible and available medicines for patients in all member states.
Last update: 10 November 2026
Photo credits: Beneluxa Initiative