On February 20, 2026, the race for one of the most influential seats in the global healthcare system officially began. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a vacancy for the post of its Executive Director in the Official Journal of the EU. The winner of the large-scale selection will replace the current head of the agency, Emer Cooke, whose mandate expires on April 30, 2027.
Power, Budget, and Relocation to Amsterdam
The future leader will not just be the main public face of the regulator but will also manage colossal resources. To understand the scale: in 2025, the agency’s budget was about 600 million euros, and the staff numbered 900 employees.
The keys to the European pharmaceutical market will be in the hands of the new director. The EMA coordinates the processes of approval, supervision, and safety monitoring of human and veterinary medicines throughout the European Union. In addition, the agency plays a key role in combating shortages of medicines and medical devices and leads the EU’s response to global public health emergencies. The winner will work at the EMA headquarters in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
Strict Filter: Who Are European Officials Looking For?
Not everyone will be able to become the chief pharmacist of Europe, as the requirements for applicants are extremely strict:
- Passport: The candidate must be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union.
- Experience: A university degree and at least 15 years of professional experience after graduation are required. Of these, at least 5 years must be closely related to the specifics of the EMA’s work, and another 5 years the candidate must have held senior management positions in a relevant field.
- Languages and Age: The future director must have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and a satisfactory knowledge of another. There is also a strict age limit: the candidate must be able to complete the full 5-year mandate before reaching retirement age (for European officials, this is 66 years).
Special attention is paid to a crystal-clear reputation and independence. The candidate will have to sign a strict declaration of no conflict of interest and commit to acting exclusively in the public interest, completely abstracting from the influence of the pharmaceutical lobby. The position is offered in the prestigious status of a Temporary Agent at grade AD 14 with an initial contract for five years and the possibility of a single extension.
Survival Quest: How the Selection Will Take Place
The appointment procedure resembles a complex, multi-stage exam. First, the European Commission will conduct a preliminary assessment of resumes and invite the best candidates to a specialized assessment centre for management skills. Based on the results of these tests, the European Commission will form a shortlist, which will be submitted to the EMA Management Board.
However, even making it to the finals does not guarantee the seat: before final approval, the candidate will have to appear at a public hearing before the SANT Committee (Committee on Public Health) of the European Parliament and answer tricky questions from MEPs.
The Clock is Ticking
The application period is already open on the official portal of the European Commission, but top managers have practically no time to hesitate. The deadline for submitting documents expires on March 19, 2026, exactly at 12:00 Brussels time. Registration takes place exclusively online, and applications sent late or by email will not be considered.
