European Medicines Agency
12.12.2017
Question for written answer E-007649-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Patrizia Toia (S&D) , Elisabetta Gardini (PPE)
Press reports have indicated that the temporary headquarters for the European Medicines Agency in Amsterdam will not be ready by March 2019.
Whereas the Commission had to provide information to Member States in order for them to make an informed decision, and trusted the statements of the Netherlands committing to deliver a permanent headquarters by April 2019;
Whereas these commitments will not be fulfilled, causing inconvenience, additional costs to the Agency and repercussions for citizens’ right to health, and obstacles to business continuity, which were the main criteria in the choice of location;
Whereas the allocation procedure provided for an opinion of the Commission and the full decision-making power of the Council, and whereas the jurisdiction of the representatives of the Member states at the Council has no legal basis, being recognised only by a non-binding common agreement;
Whereas the decision was taken by the Presidency of the Council in camera, by drawing lots, without guarantees or transparency.
In view of the above:
- —Does the Commission still deem the technical evaluation, provided before the allocation, to be valid?
- —Is it considering the opportunity to reopen the allocation procedure?
- —Does it have an estimate of the amount required from the European budget to cover the additional costs caused by the lack of headquarters in 2019?