Overview
- Official ABDA figures show a net loss of 157 community pharmacies through September 2026 with 204 closures and only 47 openings, leaving 16,444 outlets nationwide.
- The sector says rising operating costs and a long‑stagnant fixed dispensing fee explain much of the strain; the fee was raised from €8.35 to €9 in July 2026 and is set to rise to €9.50 in January 2027.
- Pharmacy groups warn foreign online and mail‑order pharmacies exploit EU rules by advertising to cover patient co‑payments, undercutting local shops that cannot legally match those offers.
- ABDA President Thomas Preis cautions that closures lengthen travel to the nearest pharmacy, a problem for elderly and frail patients who need quick access to medicines.
- The association is urging faster, stronger fee adjustments and regulatory fixes before 2027 co‑payment changes take effect and warns that more closures could come in the fourth quarter.