site.btaEuropean Commission Presents Assessment on Sofia's Offer to Host European Medicines Agency

Brussels, September 30 (BTA Correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - The European Commission presented Saturday its assessment on the EU Member States' bids to host the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Banking Authority. The two UK-based agencies will have to be relocated because of Brexit.

The Commission notes in its assessment of Sofia's bid to host EMA the advantages listed by this country, as well as the currently insufficient information about some matters. The assessment summary notes that Bulgaria's offer does not provide information on the frequency or duration flights from and to Sofia. The opportunities for finding work in Bulgaria's capital are also not described.

According to the assessment, Sofia's offer does not provide specific information on how the relocation will take place and on how the Agency would remain operational, except for a reference to the establishment of a short list of experts for possible employment by EMA.

The offer indicates premises in Technology + Innovative Network complex, but does not indicate how the proposed premises would meet EMA specific needs. It does not provide information on the financial terms for EMA's use of the proposed premises, except for Bulgaria's intention to pay 1 year of rent for the proposed premises.

Sofia's offer also does not provide information on special conditions to be offered with regard to costs and dedicated infrastructures.

The EC explained that the assessments are not a ranking and the decision about which city will host the EU institutions will be likely made in November by the Council of the EU.