#EMA move is about saving lives, not red tape

As tedious and tiresome as discussions have become in the UK itself, the truth is that Brexit is creating a new reality for the whole of Europe. Crucially, however, its effect will be judged by history not only to be political and economic, but also human. Aside from the many millions of Continentals and Brits who now find themselves unsure of their long-term status amidst red tape and bureaucracy, there is perhaps an even more serious consequence of Brexit, one that could cost lives, one that requires true balance and thorough consideration: the need to relocate the European Medicines Agency, currently based in London, writes  Sir Graham Watson.

For over two decades, like its more famous American cousin the FDA, the EMA has worked to ensure the comprehensive scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines in the EU. The agency protects public and animal health in 28 EU member states, serving over 500 million people. Just picking up and relocating such an enormous effort is no simple matter, yet one that has been forced upon the EU by the triggering of Article 50. To give an indication of the scale of the task, the EMA is currently due to upgrade EudraVigilance, its online alert system for adverse reactions to drugs – a vital safety net for early response to errors or malpractice in medicine production. This upgrade alone has required thousands of staff-hours and a massive team-wide effort to ensure a smooth transition – and that is just a virtual change - imagine the delays and setbacks that could be caused by a physical relocation of the agency.

As is typical – and indeed understandable – there will be an instinct among the decision makers to move the EMA to a country perhaps newer to the EU, or to one without existing regulatory institutions, or perhaps without a significant pharmaceutical industry – in the hope of encouraging growth in these areas. A noble notion, and entirely in keeping with the European ideals. Yet, this is not a time for risk taking or experiments. The risk of disruption costing lives means too much is at stake. Drugs and vaccines needed to treat illnesses are currently being tested and undergoing time-sensitive analysis, and there is ongoing safety assurance of treatments already on the market. Therefore, the move must be well considered. Among the candidates, there are few with the experience to ensure a truly smooth transition.

Looking at the candidate cities, I believe Milan has the greatest potential to allay these fears.

Since the Great Plague in 1629, Milan has understood the need for good medical practice. Today, Greater Milan is a polycentric metropolis that extends over central Lombardy and eastern Piedmont and which counts an estimated total population of 7.5 million. It has the third largest economy among European cities and is considered one of ‘the four motors of Europe’.

The city is already home to a leading pharmaceutical industry with a strong research base, and offers one of Europe’s best business environments. Moreover, Italy is host to the EU’s Joint Research Center and two other decentralised EU agencies – namely the European Training Foundation (ETF) in Turin and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma – all operating in science, research and monitoring, particularly health, food and nutrition. This makes Milan perfectly placed to integrate the EMA, promoting efficiency deletion in these crucial bodies.

And while government support alone is rarely enough, Milan also enjoys a vibrant philanthropic community working to back the city’s bid to bring the EMA to Milan. Of note, Mrs. Diana Bracco, who spearheaded the efforts to bring EXPO 2015 to the city, has shown the true belief there is in the city to welcome the EMA, and allow the agency to hit the ground running. She has been quick to point out the concerns of over 900 employees who will need to relocate, and has garnered wider support to ensure the availability of schools, housing, and facilities to make the move an easy a transition as possible for the EMA workers and their families.

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We owe to the Romans the saying ‘medico, curate ipsum’ (physician, heal thyself). It is surely in Milan, for so long Roman, that the EMA will be best able to heal itself of the wounds of an unwanted transition.

The author is a former Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England. He is married to an Italian and is seeking Italian citizenship as a cure for Brexit.

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