HOT TOPIC


is promising to spend €250–€300 million on a brand-new HQ and then charge the market rate. Kajsa Ollongren, Amsterdam’s deputy mayor, who is joint leader of the city’s bid, says that rent deals are unnecessary and, instead, talks up the transport links to Schiphol Airport, the assistance to expat EMA staffers that would be on offer, the availability of hotel rooms, and plans to expand places at international schools. But the rent-free drum is being banged by others. Denmark


is promising 20 years free of rents for the EMA within “a new, modern and sustainable building with a superb location less than ten minutes from the airport”. The Danish government says that Copenhagen has a much-


launch of Milan’s attempt to win the EMA, he insisted that Italy had come up with a very competitive proposal. “We will present a competitive dossier to Europe. Intelligent


solutions and value that will be brought to the area have been found,” he said. “Today, we are faced with a huge opportunity for the country, for Lombardy, and for Milan. We know that the competition is more and more about excellence, and excellence means being able to attract jobs and business.” The prospect of getting a slice of this lucrative pie is not lost


on the other contenders and, indeed, is a concept that Athens is hoping to capitalise on. Rena Dourou, governor of the Attica region, says that selecting Greece for the EMA would further boost the national recovery that has occurred since the dark days when it appeared the country might have to pull out of the Eurozone. While maintaining that Athens offered “an environment perfectly


suitable in all aspects – access to the labour market, operation of international educational institutions, mild climate, comfortable accessibility, security,” Ms Dourou went further and suggested that the EMA’s relocation to Greece would help to consolidate the improving economic climate there. “A positive development will mean very good news,


not only for the pharmaceutical sector, which is of strategic importance for our country, but for the national economy as a whole,” she said. “This is good news also for Europe.”


Extra incentives offered Yet it is in Dublin where most optimism can be found over the chances of winning one of the agencies, not least because the Irish government is offering more than €100 million in rental and relocation support. A €78 million contribution is being offered towards the relocation expenses of the EMA, with a €10 million relocation support service to help staff and their families find accommodation, schools, and jobs for spouses. For their banking agency bid, the Irish are offering similar


support for staff and their families and a 50 per cent rent reduction on the EBA headquarters for up to ten years – although this has been matched by Luxembourg’s offer of an unspecified period of rent-free accommodation in the new HQ. Irish Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance


Michael D’Arcy argues, “The fact that the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union has resulted in significant disruption and uncertainty. For the EBA, its staff and their families, a move to Dublin is the least disruptive option.” And, the Irish point out, they all speak English. Amsterdam, on the other hand, is eschewing any talk of rent-free accommodation in its EMA bid. Instead, the Dutch government


vaunted quality of life, adding that a transition plan has been organised to allow the EMA to continue to function fully during the relocation phase. The plan includes “support and counselling to EMA staff and families, and targeted talent attraction”. Malta, meanwhile, has pledged to build bespoke 30,000-square-


metre, state-of-the-art premises at Smart City if it wins the EMA competition. The premises would be free of rent for at least 15 years, the government says, and there would be grants for furniture and data services. “Within a range of a few metres, the city offers hotels, mid-to-high-end residential sea-view residences and a hospital,” the bid document reads. “The city provides cutting-edge infrastructure, unique lifestyle amenities and a responsive support system.” Finland is adopting a different


tack, emphasising the


pharmaceutical expertise in the country, not least because Helsinki is already home to the European Chemicals Agency, which would enable the two agencies “to pool their expertise and resources to create a genuine centre of excellence and, consequently, enhance the global competitiveness” of the EU. “The Helsinki region is already one of the best places in Europe


for healthcare and health technology research, development and businesses,” says Jan Vapaavuori, mayor of Helsinki. “Relocating the European Medicines Agency to Helsinki would guarantee a smooth transition for the operations and promote the international competitiveness of Finland.”


A complex process Just how this will all play out on 20 November remains to be seen, particularly as political considerations are bound to be at the forefront of some minds. George Friden, Luxembourg’s EU ambassador, appeared to suggest recently that voting alliances might be formed as the process began to unfold. And that process is complicated. In the first round of voting,


each country will award three votes for its first preference, two for its second, and one for its third. Any bid securing three points from 14 or more member states will be declared the outright victor. If the threshold is not reached, there will be a second round for the leading three cities, in which each country will get only one vote. If there is still no clear winner, there will be a knockout between the two final candidates. On reflection, maybe it would have been be simpler if an appreciation of fish and chips had been the deciding factor.


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8 | Re:locate | Autumn 2017


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