Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Italian government has launched a legal challenge in Europe's highest court over the decision to relocate a key EU agency – and 1,000 well-paid jobs – from London to Amsterdam after Brexit.
The city of Milan was also in the running to get the employment and research boost from the European Medicines Agency after Britain left the bloc but lost out to the Netherlands’ largest city in a galling drawing of lots.
Italy’s challenge comes after it emerged that the new facility in Amsterdam destined to house the agency will not be ready until November 2019 – months after the UK has left the bloc.
“Italy and the City of Milan bring actions before ECJ and GC for annulment of EUCO decision re. EMA move to Amsterdam after Brexit,” a spokesperson for the European Court of Justice posted on social media on Wednesday.
Amsterdam was selected after votes by the European Council last November following a competitive bidding process from 19 cities. After the first round of voting Milan was originally two votes short of outright victory – ahead of nine for Amsterdam and five for Copenhagen.
However, after the Danish capital was knocked out, its votes mostly went to Amsterdam, producing a 13-13 tie.
Amsterdam was then selected by the drawing of lots to break the tie, meaning that Milan went from in front to losing out on the agency – that comes with around 1,000 jobs – by chance.
The European Medicines Agency, which is currently based in London’s Canary Wharf, coordinates the evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of treatments by national agencies before they can be used across the EU. It set up shop in London in 1995.
The decision by the Italian government to launch a legal challenge coincides with a looming general election, which is set to take place on 4 March.
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni told public broadcaster Rai that “the game is not over” to host the agency and that “we have to try”.
Italy's European Affairs Minister Sandro Gozi meanwhile told newspaper Corriere della Sera that the legal challenge was not “against Holland” and rather “taken in the interest of the health of all European citizens to ensure the continuity and optimal functioning of the agency”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments