Minister Mattila
Finland is an excellent place for European Medicines Agency
Finland will be seeking to host the European Medicines Agency (EMA). According to Pirkko Mattila, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, 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 regard 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.
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. Minister Mattila reminds that other countries do not have this benefit.
- Finland is a safe country with 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, Minister Mattila adds.
According to the Minister, Finnish expertise and the strong support received from interest groups and from the national Medicines Agency 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 and currently located in London. When the United Kingdom leaves the EU, the agency will be relocated.
Inquiries:
Kirsi Varhila, Director-General, tel. +358 295 163338, [email protected]