The European Commission has today published its assessment of the 27 offers received by Member States to host the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which are currently located in the United Kingdom.
The Commission, under the responsibility of its Secretary-General, assessed all offers objectively, on the basis of the criteria set out by President Jean-Claude Juncker and President Donald Tusk and endorsed by the Heads of State or Government of the EU27 at the European Council (Article 50 format) on 22 June 2017. The assessment is fully based on the information sent by the Member States. It respects the Member States’ decision that the criteria should be unweighted and does not provide a ranking or shortlist of any kind. The Agencies have also been consulted in the process.
Next Steps: On the basis of the Commission’s assessment, the Council will have a political discussion at the General Affairs Council (Article 50 format) in October 2017. In order to allow for a smooth and timely relocation of the two agencies, a final decision will be taken at the General Affairs Council (Article 50 format) in November 2017.
Background
The decision to relocate the EMA and the EBA – both of which are currently situated in London – is for the governments of the 27 Member States to take. Their relocation is a direct consequence of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, as notified to the European Council on 29 March 2017. It does not form part of the Brexit negotiations, but is to be discussed exclusively between the 27 EU Member States. The Commission has repeatedly called for a quick decision on the transfer. The EMA and the EBA are two key regulatory agencies for the EU’s Single Market, and are essential for the authorisation of medicines and bank regulation. They must continue to function smoothly and without disruption beyond March 2019.
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