The European Commission is taking a first step in rolling out the Rapid Agile Manufacturing Partnership for Union Protection (RAMP UP), a new preparedness initiative that will accelerate the scale-up of medical countermeasure production across the EU. This includes vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostic tests, personal protective equipment and other medical devices. 

RAMP UP bridges the gap between research and manufacturing by establishing a voluntary network of trusted industry partners, including manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators. By bringing this group together, the EU helps prepare the network to scale up the production of necessary medical countermeasures during crises.

At the same time, start-ups, manufacturers and experts will benefit from additional incentives to boost manufacturing capacity such as new contracts to fast-track procurement in times of crisis and matchmaking between participants. 

The initial pilot phase starting this week will engage pharmaceutical companies to test the RAMP UP approach and establish processes to enhance visibility of manufacturing capacities information relevant for future health emergencies.

RAMP UP data-sharing arrangements will be developed in close cooperation with relevant EU partners, including the European Medicines Agency and the Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG), to ensure they are secure, proportionate and avoid duplication of data sharing and unnecessary administrative burden.

RAMP UP is one of the core actions from the Medical Countermeasures Strategy adopted last year to reinforce preparedness for the next health emergency, by ensuring access to and availability of medical countermeasures at all times.

This initiative directly responds to challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, to lessen vulnerabilities in swift scale up of manufacturing essential medical supplies, as well as minimising delays in identifying suitable production partners. 

The Commission invites relevant partners to apply and take part in shaping the practical arrangements of the initiative, including supply chain information sharing practices and operational workflows. 

06.07.2026.