EU ministers will vote in a secret ballot on November 20th on a new home for the Europe Medicines Agency (EMA), when they also decide the future location of the European Banking Authority -another, smaller EU agency that is also currently based in London.

Brussels, the self-proclaimed « capital of Europe » is the Belgian nomination for the EMA and is also one of eight bids for the EBA. But the fact that Brussels already hosts a lot of European institutions, such as the European Commission and European Parliament, could count against it in next Monday’s much-awaited vote.

There are also claims that Brussels is currently attempting to « trade votes » for a much sought-after seat on the UN Security Council. Belgium has put itself forward as a candidate for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the 2019-2020 mandate. It has launched a highly proactive promotional campaign, stating that as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Belgium will actively « promote an ambitious agenda for peace and security at the service of the citizens of the world. »

The UN Security Council is the organ of the United Nations which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and non-permanent members are elected for a term of two years.

Belgium is candidate for one of the two seats available for the « Western European and Other States ». The elections will take place in June 2018.

A senior official at a leading Brussels-based policy institute said it was « well known » that Belgium had been offering its backing for other cities who are also bidding to host the EMA in return for their support in Belgium’s UN bid.

He said, « This is not supposed to be how such issues are decided. Belgium’s UN bid should be decided solely  on the merit of its case and the same should apply to deciding who hosts the EMA after the UK exits the EU. »

There is also a growing consensus that other member states should also « get their piece of the cake. »

This has gained traction since Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, in his recent « state-of-the-union » address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, specially called for a « more unified, cohesive Europe. »

Many argue now that, for the « Juncker Strategy » to be implemented, it is high time that the much sought-after EMA is given to a country from Eastern and Central Europe. Bucharest, Zagreb and Sofia have also thrown their hats into the ring for the EMA but, according to a report last week in the Financial Times newspaper it is Bratislava that has emerged from Eastern and Central Europe as the leading candidate for the region.

The reason, it states, is partly because, of the ten member states that joined in the EU in the « big bang » expansion of 2004, Slovakia is the oldest which does not yet host an EU agency.

The country, unlike some of its neighbours such as Poland, has joined the single currency and is seen as the most supportive of the EU in the region. Slovak PM Robert Fico recently called his country a « pro-European island » in the region.

EU officials warn of uproar if at least one agency is not granted to one of the 10 central and eastern European countries that have joined the EU since 2004.

Diplomats said that while Bratislava’s bid had gathered momentum it still faces tough competition not just from Brussels but also Milan and others.

The Chief Executive of the EMA in London, Guido Rasi is Italian, and he is said to be trying to play a role in this, but informed sources point out that Italy already hosts two EU agencies: the European Training Foundation in Turin and European Food Standards Authority in Parma. This mitigates in favour of Bratislava on geographical grounds.

Like Barcelona, another candidate, recent moves towards independence and autonomy in Lombardia could count against Milan.

People from Lombardia and Veneto voted last October to have more independence from the central power in Rome. The idea that an EU agency may, at some point in the future have to relocate for a second time because of a Brexit-style withdrawal from the EU does not play well with many. A total of almost €30m has been earmarked for the preparation of the removals alone.

The UK’s former Europe Minister Denis MacShane told this website « it might be best to wait and see what the next developments are in Italian politics and how strong the support for extreme identity populism in regions of Italy really is. »

One British MEP, who did not wish to be named said, « In the interests of an equal distribution of EU Agencies there are very valid grounds for supporting Bratislava’s bid. »

« There is growing support for a Central and Eastern candidate and sharing out the division of agencies more fairly. Brussels is a strong candidate, but Brussels already has the big EU institutions and has bid for not just one but both the agencies and this time round there is a feeling that it should rather be the turn of one of the Central and Eastern European city candidates that is allocated the agency, » the MEP went on to say.

It is not difficult to see the reason why Bratislava and others are so keen to host the medicines agency when Britain leaves the EU in March 2019: it employs 900 staff and receives visits from some 35,000 national regulators and scientists every year.

It has an annual budget of €24m and deciding where it will be housed in the future is seen as a « very big deal » for Europe’s healthcare sector.

According to a briefing by Estonia, current holder of the EU presidency concerning the procedure for voting, in the first round, each country will wield one vote worth three points, one worth two points and one worth one point. Unless a city receives overwhelming support in the first round, the three most popular candidates will go forward to further voting rounds until there is a winner. The vote will be organised as a secret ballot, and many candidates are likely, at least in the first round, to vote for themselves.

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To find out how this principle is applied in practice, I spoke to the distinguished Swiss Academic Professor Dr. Max Gassmann, the Chairman of the Institute of Veterinary Physiology Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP) at the University of Zürich. Professor Gassman has been involved in life sciences and European research and development projects since 1986.

I asked for his professional views about the current competition for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency when it moves from London following the UK’s departure from the EU on 29 March 2019.

Do you think that the Council’s decision on the choice of  new host for the EMA will be made primarily on political grounds?

Difficult question. I do hope that the decision is made after carefully and objectively evaluating all the pros and cons of each candidate city. This is the most important consideration. But indeed, politics is one part of the equation.

How does Bratislava compare alongside some of the other applicant cities to host the EMA according to your  experience?

All cities offer good possibilities. I am convinced, however, that a newer member of the EU must get the chance to show their potential. As such, Slovakia has not yet been awarded an EU Agency since joining the EU in 2004.

Prime Minister Fico has described Slovakia as a “a pro-European island in the Central and Eastern European region.” How important do you think Slovakia’s good EU credentials will be in supporting the case for the EMA to come to Bratislava?

Very important, as Bratislava is indeed in the heart of Europe, and the capital of a stable and very prosperous
country where industry is increasing fast and now science is following this route. Locating the Agency in Bratislava would be a sign that newer members of the EU are treated equally.

What could be the major advantages and benefits for the EMA if the Council chooses Bratislava as the new host city?

I am convinced that Bratislava will offer a welcoming environment for newcomers to settle down, in a very cost- effective manner.

What are the lifestyle and professional attractions of a city like Bratislava for international healthcare professionals?

It’s a delightful international city with a high quality of life, great history, excellent international food, fantastic art, creative people and it is located in the heart of Europe, easy to reach.

From your knowledge of the business environment in Slovakia, do you think there is enough home grown talent in healthcare, life sciences research and development for Slovakia to aspire to the challenge of hosting the EMA?

Yes, some are already in employment in Slovakia, younger scientists that would otherwise leave the country. Others are abroad and will come back home with the possibility to work for the EMA, or in related supplier and client businesses.

What would your advice be to any young scientists planning to choose Bratislava for their next career move?

Take the chance, as Slovakia overall and especially Bratislava is an up and coming country, with an open mind
for innovative ideas as well as space and available finance. There are great opportunities for those who do not think in boxes.

Are there sufficient scientists graduating from Slovakian universities to meet the future employment needs of life science and healthcare professionals in the country?

Yes, and they will stay or come back when realising the new and attractive possibilities offered by the country. I have been involved with Slovakian life sciences and research since 1996 when a Slovak doctoral student joined my laboratory; she was devoted to science, bright, innovative and highly motivated, so I have good experience of the professional abilities of Slovak scientists.

The EU will decide on the choice of city to host the European Medicines Agency by a secret vote at the meeting of the General Affairs Council on Monday 20th November, and the result will be announced at a Council Press Conference that afternoon.

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Bratislava will be presenting what the city can offer visitors  at the World Tourism Market in London this November; the numbers of tourists coming from Western Europe is on the rise and particularly from Spain. Slovakia tends to attract more business visitors from Belgium than tourists but the trend is changing; you can reach Bratislava by direct flight from Charleroi, or from Brussels via Schwechat Airport which lies half way between Vienna and Bratislava and is within a 30 minute taxi transfer to Bratislava city centre. It is home to museums, theatres and iconic cultural institutions, such as the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a city of understated charm and culture for those looking for a friendly and relaxing weekend city break. The best place to stay is in the old town with its maze of narrow lanes and historical buildings, including the house where Mozart stayed when visiting the city. Wolfgang Amadeus performed his first public concert as a child prodigy at the age of six in Bratislava in the palace of Count Palffy.

Many of Bratislava’s finer architectural treasures and palaces date from this period in the 18th century and particularly from the time of the reign of Queen Maria Theresa, when Bratislava was the centre of administration for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The most strikingly visible historical monument in the city is Bratislava Castle which dominates the skyline, and commands excellent views across the city.

But there is a lot more to discover in the city’s vibrant café and pub scene, if you take a stroll into the lanes and back streets of the old town to seek out some of Bratislava’s hidden gems. Slovakia takes its beer seriously, and there are many independent microbreweries and atmospheric pubs in Bratislava with a rich diversity of excellent beers enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. One of the best loved is the Monastic Brewery where you are more than likely to meet one of the head brewers, Roman Kozak, who will be happy to discuss with you how he brews the famous Monastic Beer and his love of music. The brewery forms part of the Messerschmidt House which also houses a restaurant, a coffee house and the November 17 museum commemorating Slovakia’s important role in the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 which saw the overthrow of communism.

Other great microbreweries in Bratislava are the Castle Brewery adjacent to the city walls, Meštiansky Pivovar just beyond the main shopping street of Obchodna, and the very cosy Starosloviensky Pivovar which is decorated like a Tatra Mountain hut and also serves goat’s cheese (bryndza) to wash down with their brews. Close to the University is the micro-brewery and pub Richtár Jakub, and other recommended venues include the Bratislava Flagship Restaurant and the stylish riverside Dunajsky Pivovar where you can enjoy views across the Danube from the rooftop terrace.

This winter Bratislava’s Christmas markets will run from 24 November in the Main square and Hviezdoslavovo square in the old town. On 17-18 November wine lovers can taste the best wines produced in the Little Carpathians´ Region, and talk with the producers about more than 200 wine varieties produced in the region. If you are looking for an original destination to celebrate the New Year, then why not join the New Year’s Eve party in Bratislava and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the River Danube?

For visitors interested to spend longer in Slovakia and explore beyond the capital, the High Tatra Mountains to the north of Bratislava are a 4 hour train journey away. The gateway to the national park is the city of Poprad, and the Slovak High Tatra range has more than 20 mountains over 2 500 metres in height, offering trekking in the summer, skiing in the winter, thermal springs, pristine forests, and breathtaking views of valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls and gorges. They are one of Europe’s best kept secrets, and an absolute must for those who love the outdoors and wish to reconnect with nature.

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