European Medicines Agency: A look at its activities and the way ahead

Briefing 10-07-2017

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised agency of the EU. Its mission is to foster scientific excellence in the evaluation and supervision of medicines in the Member States of the EU and the European Economic Area. The EMA began operating in London in 1995. In the context of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit), the EMA will have to move to another location that will be decided upon by common agreement among the remaining 27 Member States (EU-27). The criteria and the decision-making process for selecting the new location were announced on 22 June 2017. Interested Member States have until 31 July 2017 to submit their offers. A decision is expected to be taken in November 2017. The EMA is governed by a management board and employs 897 staff (December 2016 figures). Its executive director is Guido Rasi. Around 89 % of the agency's budget comes from fees and charges levied for services rendered. Its scientific work is conducted in its scientific committees, working parties and other groups. Its main activities include: facilitating the development of and patient access to medicines; evaluating applications for marketing authorisations; monitoring the safety of medicines throughout their use in healthcare practice; and providing information to healthcare professionals, patients and the public.