The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare publishes the Convention on the Elaboration of European Pharmacopoeia

24-07-2023 

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence 

On the 21st of July, the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) of the Council of Europe elaborated and published the Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia. This instrument consists of a legally binding reference book for the quality control of medicines for both humans and animals in Europe, which was opened for signature on 22 July 1964. 

The convention's profound importance is evident in the active involvement of 39 member states from the Council of Europe and the European Union, along with 32 observers from various countries worldwide, in the operations of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission, which serves as the governing body of Ph. Eur. This extensive network of signatories reflects their shared dedication to maintaining the utmost standards in pharmaceutical quality. Together, they play a crucial role in the continuous advancement of Ph. Eur., establishing it as one of the most esteemed and universally acknowledged pharmacopoeias globally.

The European Pharmacopoeia has played a pivotal role in ensuring access to quality medicines and healthcare and contributed to the well-being of millions of people. Consequently, the EDQM, as part of the Council of Europe, is widely regarded as a prominent entity in safeguarding public health. 

Sources and further Reading: 

Council of Europe, Newsroom, 22 July 1964: Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia opened for signature, 21 July 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/22-july-1964-convention-on-the-elaboration-of-a-european-pharmacopoeia-opened-for-signature

Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia (ETS No. 050) Treaty open for signature by the member States which take part in the activities in the field of public health referred to in Resolution (59)23 and for accession by other member States and by non-member States, Strasbourg 22 July 1964 : https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-detail&treatynum=050