site.btaSofia Officially Presents Its Bid to Host European Medicines Agency

Sofia, September 14 (BTA) - Sofia's bid to host the European Medicines Agency was officially presented Thursday before the EU ambassadors to Bulgaria and the EC Representation to Bulgaria at the Council of Ministers. Attending were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, the Deputy Health Minister Lydia Neicheva and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova.

Zaharieva said Sofia meets all criteria of the European Commission, including accessibility, work opportunities and education.

Fandakova said that, besides being a good place to live and work in, Sofia has established itself as a digital city, is a leader in investment in the country and has a huge developmental potential.

Sofia Tech Park is a fine location for the European Medicines Agency, the Mayor also argued adding that there are plans to build a metro station nearby.

Fandakova underscored that support for business is one of the main priorities of the city council, with a focus on IT and the pharmaceutical sector. "Sofia is a good place for startup companies," the mayor said.

Deputy Health Minister Neicheva is sure the new headquarters will fully accommodate the needs of the staff and that the relocation will benefit everyone.

Free access to kindergartens and schools will be welcome by the 800 officials and their families, she added.

A total of 19 countries have applied to host the Europeans Medicines Agency.