Brexit Fallout Prompts Move Of EMA Headquarters To Bonn
Table of Contents
June 24, 2016 — The Federal Association of Drug manufacturers is advocating relocating the European Medicines Agency’s headquarters from London to Bonn, citing the vote in favor of Brexit as a turning point for European pharmaceutical oversight.
“We deeply regret the result of the vote and consider it politically and economically devastating,” said Dr. Hermann Kortland, deputy general manager of the association. “Today the British voted against Europe, against the alleged Eurocracy and against the European institutions. We therefore call on those responsible at federal and state level to support Bonn as the new EMA location.”
The group argues Bonn is well positioned to host the EMA given its existing role in medicine approvals and safety oversight. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Germany’s national regulator closely connected to the EMA, is headquartered in Bonn and employs about 1,100 people. The region also sits along a major Rhine rail corridor that serves pharmaceutical logistics.
key Facts At A Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Current EMA HQ | London, United Kingdom |
| Proposed New HQ | Bonn, Germany |
| Rationale | Strengthen European medicines standards; leverage Bonn’s regulatory ecosystem |
| Local Resources | Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices in Bonn; about 1,100 staff |
| Logistics | Rhine railway corridor supports pharmaceutical operations |
Evergreen Context
The episode illustrates how political events shape the geography of European drug governance. Centralizing key regulatory functions in established hubs can enhance coordination and public trust, while transferring offices can have economic and staffing implications that require careful policy planning between national and EU authorities.
Two reader questions: Do you believe relocating the EMA’s headquarters would improve or undermine European drug safety collaboration? What would be the consequences for London and Bonn’s local economies?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
facilitate more frequent public hearings and stakeholder workshops.
German Pharma Lobby urges EMA Relocation to Bonn Following brexit Vote
Background: EMA’s Post‑Brexit Move
- In March 2020 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) officially transferred its headquarters from London to Amsterdam after the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote in 2016.
- The relocation was part of the EU‑UK Withdrawal Agreement,ensuring continuity of the drug‑approval process across the 27 member states.
- Since the move, the EMA has operated from the HMA Building in the Amsterdam Science Park, maintaining its role as the EU’s central regulator for medicines and vaccines.
Why Bonn? Strategic Advantages for the EMA
- Proximity to German Health Ministries
- bonn hosts the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), offering direct liaison with national policy makers.
- Established Pharma Cluster
- the Rhine‑Neckar and Bonn regions form one of Germany’s largest life‑science ecosystems, featuring more then 350 biotech firms and 20 research institutes.
- Transport & Infrastructure
- Bonn International Airport and the Cologne‑Bonn railway hub provide seamless connections to Brussels, Paris, and London, facilitating stakeholder visits time‑sensitive regulatory meetings.
- Neutral Political Environment
- As a former capital, Bonn carries a reputation for diplomatic neutrality, which coudl ease concerns about perceived national bias after the EMA’s move from the UK.
Key Arguments Presented by the German Pharma Lobby
- Enhanced Regulatory Efficiency
- BPI (Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie) argues that a Bonn‑based EMA would reduce the “regulatory lag” caused by distance between the agency and Germany’s major pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- Economic Growth & Job Creation
- Relocation could generate up to 1,200 direct EMA jobs andicher ancillary positions in legal, translation, and consulting services, bolstering the regional economy.
- Strengthened EU Health Security
- Centralising the EMA in a city with a robust public‑health infrastructure would improve rapid response capabilities for pandemic preparedness and vaccine rollout.
- Increased Openness & Stakeholder Access
- By situating the agency near major European scientific conferences held in Bonn (e.g., the annual European Pharma Forum), the EMA could facilitate more frequent public hearings and stakeholder workshops.
Potential Impact on Research & Development
- Faster Clinical‑Trial Approvals
- Direct interaction with bfarm could streamline the review of Phase I‑III trials conducted by German biotech firms, shortening time‑to‑market for innovative therapies.
- Synergy with Academic Institutions
- Universities such as the University of Bonn and the Rheinische Fachhochschule can provide expertise in pharmacovigilance, data analytics, and regulatory science.
- Boost for digital‑Health Initiatives
- Bonn’s growing digital‑health incubator network aligns with the EMA’s upcoming “Real‑World Evidence” framework, fostering collaborative pilot projects.
Stakeholder Reactions
| Stakeholder | Position | Notable Quote |
|---|---|---|
| BPI (German Pharma Association) | Strongly supportive | “A Bonn EMA would cement Europe’s status as the global hub for safe, innovative medicines.” – Dr. Klaus Müller,BPI spokesperson |
| European Commission | Cautiously optimistic | “any relocation must respect the EU’s principle of balanced geography; Bonn presents a compelling case.” – EU Health Commissioner, 2025 |
| Netherlands Ministry of Health | Neutral | “We welcome the EMA’s continued presence in Amsterdam but recognize the strategic merits of a Bonn move.” – Minister of Health, 2025 |
| Patient Advocacy Groups | Generally favorable | “Closer ties to German health authorities could accelerate access to life‑saving treatments.” – German Cancer Aid, 2025 |
Practical Steps for a Bonn Relocation
- Feasibility Study (Q1 2026)
- Commission an autonomous assessment covering cost, legal implications, and infrastructure requirements.
- Stakeholder Consultation Phase (Q2‑Q3 2026)
- Organize workshops with member states, industry representatives, and patient ngos to gather feedback and address concerns.
- EU Institutional Vote (Q4 2026)
- Submit a formal proposal to the European Parliament and Council; a two‑thirds majority is required for relocation approval.
- Transition Planning (2027‑2028)
- Develop a phased move plan:
- Phase 1: Transfer of administrative functions and ICT systems.
- Phase 2: Relocation of scientific committees and expert panels.
- phase 3: Full operational hand‑over,including the EMA’s pharmacovigilance database.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2025 | BPI publishes position paper urging Bonn relocation. |
| Q1 2026 | Commissioning of feasibility study. |
| Q2‑Q3 2026 | Multi‑stakeholder consultation workshops in Bonn, Brussels, and Amsterdam. |
| Q4 2026 | Formal EU vote on relocation proposal. |
| 2027 | Start of administrative transfer; temporary liaison office opened in Bonn. |
| 2028 | Full relocation of EMA headquarters to bonn; inauguration ceremony. |
Benefits Summary (Bullet Format)
- Regulatory synergy with German health agencies → faster drug approvals.
- Economic boost for the Bonn region → new jobs, increased investment.
- Enhanced EU health security through proximity to major research hubs.
- Improved stakeholder access → more transparent decision‑making processes.
- Strategic positioning within a leading European pharma cluster.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
- Political Sensitivity – Ensure equitable portrayal of all member states in relocation negotiations.
- Logistical Complexity – Utilize phased transition to maintain continuity of critical EMA functions.
- Cost Implications – Leverage EU cohesion funds and German federal subsidies to offset relocation expenses.
Real‑World Example: The EMA’s 2020 Amsterdam Transition
- The agency moved 1,800 staff within six months, relocating 70 % of its IT infrastructure without service interruption.
- Lessons learned included the importance of early stakeholder engagement and a dedicated “Transition Office” to coordinate cross‑border logistics.
Applying these insights to a Bonn move can streamline planning and minimise operational risk.
