The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will relocate to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This decision was taken today by the EU 27 Member States in the margins of the General Affairs Council (Art.50). The Agency now has just over 16 months to prepare for the move and take up its operations in Amsterdam on 30 March 2019 at the latest.

“We welcome today’s decision on the new location of EMA. Now that we finally know where our journey is taking us, we can take concrete actions for a successful move,” said EMA Executive Director Guido Rasi.

“Amsterdam ticks many of our boxes,” he continued. “It offers excellent connectivity and a building that can be shaped according to our needs. I am very grateful that the Member States took into account our requirements for business continuity and gave priority to the protection of public and animal health ».

Our internal surveys have shown that a large majority of EMA staff would be willing to move with the Agency to Amsterdam. However even in this case, our activities will be impacted and we need to plan for this now to avoid the creation of gaps in knowledge and expertise.”

EMA has to relocate due to the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the EU. Amsterdam was one of 19 offers to host EMA submitted by the Member States at the end of July 2017. Today’s decision on EMA’s new location follows an assessment of the bids by the European Commission and EMA.

“My staff and I are very honoured that so many Member States showed an interest in hosting EMA,” Professor Rasi commented. “The huge effort invested by the bidding countries to put together their proposals is a reflection of the Agency’s important role in the protection of public and animal health and the stimulation of a vibrant and innovative pharmaceutical industry.”

The decision today marks the official start of a challenging joint relocation project that will have to be delivered within extremely tight timelines whereby the relocation has to be completed by 30 March 2019.

Effective collaboration between EMA and the Netherlands on the basis of the commitments made in its offer to host EMA is essential to ensure a successful move and the continuation of EMA’s operations with minimal disruption.

EMA and the Netherlands will kick start their collaboration by establishing a joint governance structure to steer and oversee the relocation project. Because of its important role to safeguard public and animal health in the EU, EMA is committed to giving stakeholders and the public full visibility of the relocation project. In early December, the Agency will make available a monitoring chart on its website that will allow to track the progress made.

Notes

• EMA has been based in London, UK, since it was established in 1995. It currently employs nearly 900 staff members at its headquarters in Canary Wharf, London.
• The relocation of EMA from London is a consequence of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The Agency was not involved in the selection of the new location

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The EU will decide where to move the EMA by a secret vote in the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 20th November. Bratislava, where I was born and educated, is one of the candidate cities to host this agency and I would like to think that the tide of history is in favour of their application. As a young scientist in 1965, after receiving my degree in medicine from the Comenius University of Bratislava and the equivalent of a PhD in virology, my wife and I made the decision to emigrate to New York. This was a momentous and life-changing decision, but we never looked back. I was given a warm welcome in the United States and offered opportunities, which enabled me to develop a productive career in biomedical sciences, including a chance to participate in the development of Remicade, a highly successful drug for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

When the European Medicines Agency moves to its new home, it is important that the host country extends the same warm welcome and offers similar career opportunities to the talented young scientists working at the EMA and their families that move there. I know and understand that moves like this are not to be taken lightly, but would advise anyone considering a move to my native Slovakia not to hesitate.

Bratislava is a city that I know well, and I am confident that any young scientists moving there from the West will enjoy excellent career opportunities. The city is open and welcoming; it is modern and efficient with many new start-up businesses, but it still maintains the same charm that I remember fondly as a younger man, and it has a sophistication today that can compete with any European city. Bratislava has come a long way since the dark days of communism that forced me to cross the Atlantic, With its close proximity to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, Bratislava is now in many respects as international as London. It is certainly more European; it has embraced the euro as its currency and is a member of the Schengen area that allows the free movement of people across borders within the EU. Vienna’s international airport is a 30-minute drive from Bratislava. It is also a safe and secure city offering an excellent and affordable living environment with many cultural attractions and a high quality of life.

I also believe that relocation of the European Medicines Agency from London to Bratislava can be a real catalyst for economic change across much of Central and Eastern Europe. There is an entrepreneurial buzz about Bratislava in the scientific community, as many new ideas and businesses are starting to flourish in life sciences, biomedicine, healthcare, research and development. Eastern Europe has for decades educated excellent health professionals and scientists who made their careers, as I did, in the West. Slovakian universities produce very good scientists, and Western students have also taken advantage of the high quality of academic teaching in Eastern European Universities to study there. There is much greater international mobility today for those engaged in medicine and life sciences than ever before, and Slovakia is keen to compete to employ the brightest and best scientists, including their own home grown talent.

With this decision about the future location of the European Medicines Agency Europe has the opportunity not only to balance the geographical distribution of their Agencies to acknowledge that the centre of Europe is moving East, but also to provide for a fairer distribution of the benefits that such organisations can bring to their host countries. Innovation in health and medical technologies is Slovakia’s top priority for research and development, and the country deserves support from the EU for its preferred strategic direction to generate the employment opportunities it needs for its future economic development as a key member of a stronger, more stable and more united Europe. Bratislava’s rich heritage in scientific and medical excellence also makes it a natural choice for this award.

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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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And what HQ that will be! Il Pirellone is an architectural masterpiece by the famous Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti, close to the main Milan railway station, the city’s most important transportation hub. And with a fast connection to the three main airports of the area, quick train and road links to Switzerland, Austria, France, and other central European countries.

Did you say transportation? Fast trains guarantee connections with the main Italian cities in a few hous: less than three for Rome, two for Florence, one for Venice, under four for Naples. One hour to Geneva a bit more for Bern or Zurich, Vienna or Munich etc. A big hub? Indeed! Milan is a big air transport hub with over 250 flight connections to London airports to facilitate the commuting of staff  especially at the beginning of the process of relocation. Nearly 1,300 weekly flights connect Milano to the other 27 EU capitals and seamless highways connect Milano to France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Slovenia.

The “Pirellone”: With its over 50.000 square meters, a big conference room, a multifunctional space on the top floor, the “Pirellone” has been recently refurbished and equipped with state of the art materials, a very flexible and easy to redesign office space distributed over 31 floors. Its offices are complemented by sixty meeting rooms with between 8 and 32 places each. There is also a kindergarden, a gym and other services can be added.

Science and innovation: Milan is a European centre for science and innovation, with eleven universities and five arts academies with over 200,000 students from all over the world, not to mention an extensive network of public and private research institutions including the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) which collaborates with a broad network of top researchers and public and private research institutes. Italy has the second largest pharmaceutical industry in Europe in terms of production volumes and is the world’s largest exporter of medicines per capita. Milan and surroundings accounts for over 60% of Italy’s overall pharmaceutical production.

A  massive hospitality network was developed in Milan on the occasion of the Milan World Expo in 2015: hotels, residences, guest-houses and a wide range of different kinds of accommodation will guarantee welcoming places for guests in the very centre of the city where the prospective HQ of the EMA will be located. Not to speak of the variety of restaurants in the centre and all over the city with local specialities or international cuisine to serve all kinds of tastes.

With its leading role in manufacturing and design, engineer and fashion, communication and health sciences, banking and finance, Milan is the home of nearly 3000 multinational companies, many of them linked to science and research. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is based at Ispra (60 km north of Milan) The European Food Safety Authority  (EFSA) is based in Parma (120 km south of Milan) thus creating the potential for a powerful hub for science and research agencies in virtually the same area only 200 km apart with ample opportunities for collaboration.

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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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