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Pharmaceutical care remains stable – EAEP calls for evidence-based debate

The European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP) published a position paper on current developments in the pharmacy landscape in Germany. The association concludes: despite declining pharmacy numbers, the supply of medicines remains secure.

An analysis of pharmacy closures between July 2023 and July 2025 shows that closures are mainly taking place in regions with a high density of pharmacies. Where a pharmacy has closed, the nearest remaining pharmacy is on average only 390 meters away. A study by the IQVIA institute confirms that for 97.5 percent of the population, the distance to the nearest pharmacy remained unchanged or shortened between 2018 and 2023. Online pharmacies contribute to the stability of the system with over 76 million orders annually.

The reasons for closures are primarily structural challenges such as rising operating costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and structural market shifts among local pharmacies – not competition from online pharmacies.

The EAEP is calling for comprehensive structural reforms to future-proof the supply system. Health policy decisions should be based consistently on data and empirical evidence – not on ideological convictions. Priority should be given to a supply paradigm based on the principle of “digital before outpatient before inpatient,” combined with fair competitive conditions for brick-and-mortar and digital pharmacies. At the same time, financial resources must be used efficiently and further potential must be leveraged, for example by expanding selective contract models. A blanket increase in the fixed fee for medicines, on the other hand, does not offer a sustainable solution.

As a member of the EAEP, the apo.com Group expressly supports these positions and is committed to a fact-based, patient-oriented and sustainable further development of pharmaceutical care.

Please find the complete position paper here.