Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing threat to public health. A key factor that accelerates AMR is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. Access to antibiotics without prescription, self-medication, as well as lack of rapid and sufficient diagnostic tests are among the most important drivers of AMR. This article will focus on legal and regulatory interventions to avoid the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials taking into account the recent Commission proposal to review the EU pharmaceutical legislation (Directive 2001/83 and Regulation (EC) 726/2004), which was published on 26 April 2023.