Belén Garijo: Stop National Solo Efforts in Europe!

Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“In this new era of shifting global powers, we are witnessing Europe steadily lose momentum. Yet, the urgency to act remains low. Fragmentation continues to paralyze our collective potential.

In my latest op-ed for Handelsblatt, I share my perspective on why Europe must break this inertia and how we can move forward together.

Stop National Solo Efforts in Europe!

Europe is under pressure. Geopolitical tensions are rising. Economic uncertainty is growing. The US is using trade policy as a tool of power, while China is strategically investing in future technologies. In contrast, Europe is losing momentum and influence.

Even as awareness of the problems increases, the urgency and determination to act remain low. We are being paralyzed by national solo efforts and regulatory fragmentation. If Europe does not shape its own future, others will shape it for us.

I am deeply convinced that Europe must act now – more urgently than ever – decisively, strategically, and in unity.

First and foremost, Europe needs a functioning single market, not 27 different sets of regulations.

With 451 million people, the European Union is a global heavyweight and one of the world’s largest single markets. Yet fragmented regulations continue to hold back its full potential. As a company, we witness daily how national special regulations hinder innovation across Europe.

One example: within the EU, the time it takes for an approved drug to reach patients varies dramatically. In Germany, the average is 128 days; in Portugal, it can take up to 840 days. The reason? Divergent regulatory procedures and reimbursement systems. For pharmaceutical companies, this fragmentation is inefficient and costly – for patients, it poses risks with potentially fatal consequences.

We need uniform standards, centralized procedures, and interoperable digital interfaces—in short, a truly functioning single market.

However, the single market can only succeed if Brussels works more closely with industry and coordinates its measures more effectively with us.

This will then enable Europe to assert its role as a global player—rather than being shaped by others.

Second, Europe must make bold, strategic investments in key technologies.

The global race for key technologies is in full swing. The US is mobilizing $500 billion for the Stargate project to expand its AI infrastructure. China is setting new standards with DeepSeek. Such examples show how targeted industrial policy works: quickly, strategically, and decisively.

This is not just about technology, but also about reinforcing geopolitical power. Whoever leads the way in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors will set tomorrow’s standards.

Without a common strategy, there is a risk that Europe’s technological sovereignty will continue to decline. That is why we need decisive investment in Europe now. InvestAI, an initiative to mobilize €200 billion for AI investment in Europe, is a good start. But announcements must finally be followed by action – across Europe.

Third, Europe must consistently harness its strengths.

The good news is that Europe has more to offer than it often gives itself credit for. More and more investors are choosing Europe as a destination for their capital investments. They value not only the security and stability that our democracy offers, but also our clear commitment to free trade – a value that is becoming increasingly important in the current world order.

In addition, Europe has excellent universities and research institutions – a strong center for basic research. We must not squander these advantages lightly: we must seize them and build on them.

At this critical juncture, the new German federal government has announced an economic growth program. One of its central aims is to significantly reduce documentation, reporting, and notification requirements for companies. The federal government understands the vital role industries play in driving competitiveness and growth in Germany. Less bureaucracy is a step in the right direction. But above all, we need smarter regulation: regulation that is results-oriented, flexible, and risk-based.

However, that alone is not enough. We must move from words to action. Action instead of hesitation. Courage instead of caution. It’s time for political leaders to lead by example and set the right course. If they do, companies will deliver — I am confident of that.

With our headquarters in Darmstadt, Merck Group is deeply rooted in Europe. We want to continue researching, producing, and investing here and at other European sites in the future. This requires framework conditions that enable innovation, not hinder it. Nationwide and across Europe.

A united, modern Europe can compete on the global stage – if it has the courage to reinvent itself. We have everything we need – just not forever. Let’s finally get started!”

You can also read this article in German.

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