20 May 2026

The European Commission, the Heads of Medicines Agencies and EMA have published their first quarterly report tracking progress against the EU's clinical trial targets, which were established in 2025 with the aim of strengthening the EU's position as a leading destination for clinical research and improving patients' timely access to innovative medicines.
The report, covering the period from 1 January to end of March 2026, highlights early progress on two key indicators: 19 multinational clinical trials have been authorised above the historical average, moving towards the target of 500 additional multinational trials by end of 2030, and 40.5% of clinical trials are currently recruiting participants within 200 days of application submission, against a target of 66% by 2030. Preliminary data collected after March 2026 suggest a continuing positive trend across key indicators. The new targets are aligned with the EU Biotech Act and complemented by network initiatives such as FAST-EU, a pilot led by HMA giving sponsors the opportunity to test shorter evaluation timelines for multinational trials within the existing legal framework. Progress will be reviewed annually by the ACT EU governance on the basis of quarterly reports.

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