Finland wants EMA HQ relocated to Helsinki

Finland will submit an application to the European Union for relocation of the headquarters of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from London to Helsinki when the United Kingdom leaves the EU, said an official press release.

Social Affairs and Health Minister Pirkko Mattila said the application process is an opportunity to make Finnish expertise visible and to attract health-sector investments to Finland.

“Finnish expertise in the medicine sector is very strong, particularly in fields that are important with regards to the future. We have specific expertise and biobanks and soon we will establish a genome centre. Biomedicine expertise is strong in Finland. The European Medicines Agency, EMA, is a large agency that would further strengthen the Finnish health-sector expertise and also improve employment in our country,” said the minister.

The Finnish pharmaceutical service is functioning well and medicine safety is on a top level in Finland. The Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA) is a highly respected authority in Europe and plays a significant role in EMA’s operation.

According to the minister, relocating EMA to Finland would also give synergy benefits with the European Chemicals Agency. When both EU agencies would be located in Finland, their cooperation could be further intensified.

“The synergy benefit is an important justification for relocating EMA to Finland,” said Mattila, adding that other countries do not have this benefit.

“Finland is a safe country with a stable society. We can offer modern facilities for EMA. Our good ICT expertise will ensure the maintenance and development of the agency’s ICT technology,” the minister added.

According to the minister, Finnish expertise and the strong support received from interest groups and FIMEA would guarantee EMA’s smooth relocation to Finland.

It is also easy to travel to Finland. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport offers direct international flight connections both to Europe and Asia.

The European Medicines Agency is the third biggest EU agency.