European Chemicals Agency in central Helsinki
The European Chemicals Agency will be located in central Helsinki. – The successful implementation of the EU’s Chemicals Regulation also depends on an effective and well-performing agency, states Mauri Pekkarinen, Minister of Trade and Industry.
Mauri Pekkarinen, Minister of Trade and Industry
The task of the Chemicals Agency will be to provide technical and scientific support for the implementation of the regulation. The agency will focus on the assessment and management of health and environmental risks.
The Agency locates in the premises of Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company in Annankatu. The rental period will begin after the entry into force of the EU’s regulation on the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals, the Reach regulation, and the establishment of the Chemicals Agency. According to current estimates, the agency will start its operation in April 2007.
– During our EU Presidency starting in summer 2006, completing negotiations over the Reach Regulation forms one of our key goals. Consequently, our aim is that these negotiations between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament over Reach will be completed in such a way that the regulation can be adopted at second reading during the current year, explains Pekkarinen.
The rental period will cover the period between the establishment of the agency and 31 December 2009. The lease allows for an extension of the rental period. The Chemicals Agency will independently decide on the possible extension of the rental period.
European Chemicals Agency will be located in central Helsinki in Annankatu.
In the first phase, the building will provide work premises for some 80 persons. The total area of the building is 17,500 m2 which will be sufficient for the agency’s staff of 400 to 500 employees. The agency will mainly need office space.
Other preparations relating to the establishment of the Chemicals Agency have also advanced. The European Commission has started to recruit staff which could later take a position in the agency. The intention is to recruit, in the first phase, some 40 persons who will participate in a six-month training at the European Commission to be able to work in the start-up team at the Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.
The Prime Minister’s Office prepares, in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and other relevant actors, matters relating to the launching of the agency. Such issues concern, for example, housing, education and free time services and the legal status of the agency and its personnel.
Press release in the website of Prime Minister's Office(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)