The deal comes at a time when Latin American countries are increasingly looking to improve the regulatory environment for pharmaceuticals and move towards greater convergence.

Industry groups say the initiative will undermine innovation and the competitiveness of European companies, impeding Europe's ability to tackle future crises effectively.

Brazil has listed 42 international regulatory bodies as equivalent authorities, including US FDA and the EU’s EMA.

EU-level action on market access could include a “solidarity fund” for ultra-rare disease treatments and a new framework for managed entry agreements.

The European Parliament has voted for a deal agreed with the council of minister to ensure polluters pay for cleaning up urban wastewater.

The European Parliament has voted for a deal agreed with the council of minister to ensure polluters pay for cleaning up urban wastewater.