Relocation of the European Medicines Agency headquarters after the UK's decision to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union

2.6.2017

Question for written answer P-003713-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Andrey Novakov (PPE)

Following the UK Government’s decision to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be relocated to a country in which EC law applies. The relocation will also affect the 2018 budget, a draft of which was published by the Commission on 30 May 2017, as well as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

1. What is the expected procedure for relocation of the EMA? Can the Commission outline the legal basis for the procedure and the formal criteria that it deems crucial for choosing a new host country?

2. Is the Commission considering to propose relocating the EMA to a country that does not currently host any agencies, such as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, etc.?

3. How much is the relocation expected to cost? Does the Commission take the view that, on account of its decision to leave the EU, the UK should bear the cost of relocation?