Helsinki fulfils the criteria for the seat of the European Food Authority

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (text adopted 11.12.2001):
The European Parliament calls the council to apply the following criteria in its decision-making procedure on the location of the European Food Safety Authority:

- it should be, and be seen physically to be, independent of the Commission and other institutions

- it should have a long standing tradition in food safety in order to lend credibility to the Authority in the eyes of EU citizens

Food safety and consumer protection are recognised as longstanding political priorities in Finland. Comprehensive and integrated controls "from farm to table" have proved efficient with successful results. Co-operation among authorities and the media in food safety issues functions well. All this is reflected in Finland's well-established international reputation for high stan-dards in food safety.

- it should enhance the Authority's independence and integrity

In Helsinki the EFA could create itself a profile of independence both in relation to the EU- institutions and to business lobby. Finland also has a long tradition of open government and efficient public information.

- it should provide a good scientific infrastructure and facilities in the field of food safety

The University of Helsinki provides educational and research facilities related to food safety and food sciences at an internationally acknowledged level of excellence. Food safety at the various stages of food production, from primary production to the consumer, is covered specifically.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (text adopted 11.12.2001) and the COMMISSION (amended proposal COM(2001) 475 final):

- it should be easily accessible in terms of communications and have good and rapid transport connections

Finland is a leading information technology country being one of the world leaders in the mo-bile phone penetration and in the Internet usage. GPRS-networks are already in operation in Finland and the use of VoIP is rapidly expanding. High-speed Internet connections, such as cable modems and ADSL, are already accessible to the majority of the population. Efficient and reliable e-mail as well as video and telephone conferencing solutions will enable the EFA per-sonnel and its experts to considerably reduce travelling and thus save time.

The daily flight connections from Helsinki to the other European capitals and other major cities are fluent and punctual. The Helsinki-Vantaa airport has been ranked among the world's best airports for the fourth year in a row, according to a passenger satisfaction survey carried out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This year the airport was ranked best in Europe and third best in the world in comparison with all size classes. The Viikki Science Park is situated only 15 minutes away from the Helsinki-Vantaa international airport.

- it should enable the Authority to work closely and efficiently with those Commis-sion services, which deal with public health and consumer protection issues.

The fact that Helsinki is a capital city of a Member State facilitates close and efficient working relations between the EFA and the Commission services. However, it has been clearly defined that the Authority will be a separate legal entity and independent from the other Community institutions. The core task of the Authority is to provide independent scientific advice, support and information on food safety questions. In case of crisis electronic communication is essen-tial.

- it should be cost-effective and enable the Authority to start its work without delay

Finland is prepared to provide the Authority with necessary facilities and adequate premises as of the beginning of 2002 or as soon as the decision is taken. The final premises will be con-structed according to the special needs of the Authority. Finland has world-leading experience and know-how in using communication technology. This modern technology saves time and costs. Finland is prepared to do everything needed to help the smooth settling of the Authority and its personnel in the Helsinki region.

- it should provide the necessary infrastructure for the personnel of the Authority *)

The Helsinki area has during the recent years developed into a truly international city. The large multinational and Finnish companies in the Helsinki area have successfully recruited interna-tional motivated and competent personnel. Helsinki can simultaneously offer the advantages of a capital city and those of a compact town. Virtually all inhabitants of Helsinki speak foreign languages; English, German, French, Swedish etc.

According to the Mercer consultants' study published in L'Expansion last summer Helsinki is one of the cities with the best quality of life. Especially was noted that the excellent infrastruc-ture and highly skilled labour have attracted some 2,500 foreign enterprises to the city. In For-tune magazine Helsinki was classified as number three in favourable business conditions in Europe just after London and Frankfurt. The William M. Mercer organisation has rated Hel-sinki sixth in Europe among cities with the best future prospects.

Helsinki can be considered as one of the safest capitals in Europe. Children walk safely to school on their own. People do not feel delinquency or crime to be a threat in their everyday life. Compared to large metropolises, the environment is unpolluted.

Helsinki is family friendly. Leisure and outdoor activities as well as cultural services are easily accessible. In the capital area day care services and general education are offered, in addition to Finnish, in English, Swedish, French and German. Modern educational equipment is used at all school levels and learning results in Finnish schools were recently praised in a large interna-tional PISA-survey.

*) Criteria set only by the Commission. www.efahelsinki.fi/(Link to another website.)