Leaders Gather in Ireland to Reform EU Medtech Rules
Industry experts meet in Galway to discuss regulatory changes aimed at supporting innovation and patient access.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Should governments prioritize strict medical device regulations over the speed of bringing new technology to market?
Industry leaders, regulators, and European Commission members are meeting at the Global Access 2026 conference to address concerns regarding the current medical device regulatory framework. The event aims to streamline regulations to support the sector's 38,000 companies and maintain competitiveness.
Why it matters
The sector seeks urgent reform of the EU's Medical Device Regulation and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation to resolve complexities and uncertainties. These changes are intended to preserve patient access to new technologies and foster ongoing medical research.
The European medtech sector includes 38,000 companies, 90% of which are small or medium-sized enterprises, and supports 800,000 jobs. In 2025, the industry filed 15,905 patents with the European Patent Office.
The players
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
European Patent Office
The intergovernmental organization that grants patents for Europe.
The details
The conference at The Galmont Hotel hosts 300 delegates and 60 speakers to facilitate consensus building during Ireland's 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Discussions focus on aligning future regulatory frameworks with rapid technological advancements and high standards for patient safety.
Timeline
October 21-22, 2026: Global Access 2026 conference held in Galway.
2025: 15,905 medtech patents were filed.
Market Landscape
The conference highlights how the current implementation of the EU's Medical Device Regulation is challenging the competitiveness of regional firms against global rivals. This move attempts to shift market dynamics to better support the European sector against the growing U.S. share of the industry.
Regulatory shifts in this sector directly impact the speed at which new diagnostic tools and medical devices reach hospitals and patients. Streamlined processes could lead to more affordable and accessible medical innovations for the average healthcare consumer.
The takeaway
The conference underscores the critical balance between ensuring patient safety and maintaining a regulatory environment that fosters technological innovation. Industry stakeholders must work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that future policy updates do not hinder the progress of medical breakthroughs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Healthcare sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Advertiser Newspaper Group.
Live Poll
Should governments prioritize strict medical device regulations over the speed of bringing new technology to market?
