Greek government measures designed to spur clinical trial activity are beginning to yield measurable results, but industry stakeholders warn that stronger incentives and structural changes are still needed to unlock the country’s full potential.
According to the General Secretary of Health Services, Lilian Vildiridi, clinical trials in Greece are gaining new momentum. “By the end of 2025, the number of new applications submitted under the new regulatory framework reached 278, up from 217 in 2024, marking a clear upward trend,” she told Euractiv.
“Greece ranks 14th among EU member states, according to ACT EU data for the period July-September 2025,” she added.
Despite clear progress, policymakers and industry stakeholders agree that further steps are needed to fully unlock the country’s potential as a competitive destination for clinical research.
“New way of life”
Vildiridi said clinical trials have become a strategic priority for the Ministry of Health, with Greece now facing what she described as a “window of opportunity” to strengthen its international position.
“The results are encouraging, but they are not a cause for complacency. On the contrary, they underline the need to move faster and with greater focus,” she noted, pointing to a recent joint ministerial decision that is expected to significantly reduce approval times, allowing the different stages of the process to take place simultaneously rather than sequentially.
In addition, stricter timelines have been introduced for each stage of the process, alongside standardized contract templates tailored to different types of clinical studies. These measures aim to improve predictability and reduce administrative complexity.
Beyond procedural improvements, the expansion of dedicated clinical trial units within public hospitals marks another important step. “Hospitals in most health regions have either established or are in the process of establishing such units, strengthening the country’s operational capacity to host studies,” Vildiridi noted.
At the same time, the upcoming full deployment of the National Biomedical Research Registry, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Institution, is expected to increase transparency and provide real-time data on the life cycle of clinical trials in Greece.
A system still in transition
“Overall, these interventions are part of a wider set of horizontal reforms in public hospitals, including digital transformation, improved infrastructure and medical technology, as well as targeted strengthening of human resources,” Vildiridi said.
However, further reforms are already under consideration, including changes to the regulatory framework governing clinical trials.
Vildiridi said that among the proposals under consideration are the expansion of acceptable testing sites to include day care units and dental schools, the possibility of submitting protocols in English and the use of digital tools in the informed consent process. There is also discussion of introducing more flexible models, such as conducting parts of clinical trials in patients’ homes under clearly defined conditions.
The industry needs stronger incentives
At the same time, the pharmaceutical industry argues that regulatory improvements alone are insufficient to significantly increase investment in clinical trials.
This criticism intensified this week, following the publication of a new government decision outlining the research and development (R&D) reimbursement scheme and investment plans for 2026-2027.
In a strongly worded response, the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) said it was “disappointed” that its long-standing proposals to strengthen incentives for clinical trials had been sidelined once again, despite repeated submissions to the ministries of health, development and finance.
The association warned that the current framework fails to adequately recognize the tangible benefits of clinical research for patients, the healthcare system and the wider economy, raising concerns that Greece risks missing out on future investment and timely access to innovative therapies.
The decision comes just weeks after SFEE addressed a letter to key government officials, noting that the current framework for compensating kickbacks with clinical trial investments has weakened in recent years.
According to the SFEE, the amount compensated through clinical trials dropped significantly, from €50 million in 2021 to just €5 million in 2024.
While total investment in clinical trials has remained relatively stable at around 100 million euros per year, the association estimates that Greece’s potential could be at least three times higher.
The industry also highlights the broader value of clinical trials beyond economic metrics. Patients participating in studies gain early access to innovative treatments, often years before they become commercially available, while the cost of these therapies is fully covered by sponsoring companies.
Clinical trials channel resources into public hospitals and support highly specialized medical staff, contributing to the preservation of scientific talent in the country.
Proposals for reshaping the clawback frame
SFEE has put forward a number of detailed proposals to redesign the reimbursement mechanism to better support clinical research. Among the key recommendations is to extend the incentive scheme beyond its current limits, recognizing that clinical trials often last three to five years and require long-term planning.
The association also calls for separate budgets for R&D and broader investment activities, arguing that the current combined structure reduces transparency and predictability for investors.
Furthermore, the industry is advocating the inclusion of R&D expenditure carried out by foreign parent companies, provided that the research is carried out in Greece. This, they argue, would significantly increase the attractiveness of the country as a destination for multinational clinical trials.
(BM)
