Following Brexit, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be forced to relocate its headquarters out of London. Several EU Member States have already expressed an interest in hosting the EMA. Recently, Malta has also stepped forward and formally launched its bid to take on this role. The bid is being led by the Malta Medicines Authority and the launch thereof was formally announced on 20th March 2017 at an event held at the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta.
Addressing the press conference, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli, augured that "Malta's safe and social environment and positive civil rights enable residents and visitors alike to come together easily to share experiences and learn from each other", while also expounding that the EMA staff and all their dependants will be provided with free housing and schooling facilities.
Malta Medicines Authority chairman Prof. Anthony Serracino Inglott, explained that meetings between Maltese authorities, Malta Enterprise and the Planning Authority are already underway to determine the best location for the 30,000 square meters that will be needed for the EMA's premises in Malta. Prof Serracino Inglott also highlighted the distinct advantage Malta has over other EU Member States owing to its multilingual society (with English being an official language), which would make the transition and continued working of the EMA all the smoother.
European Commissioner for Health Vytenis Andriukaitis has explained that the host country selection process shall commence once Article 50 is triggered by British Prime Minister Theresa May.
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