 The European Medicines Agency, EMA, was established in 1995 to harmonize regulations on human and veterinary medicines across the EU member states. It has since grown into a global leader in pharmaceutical regulation, working closely with other countries to develop and implement new standards. This success is due in part to its unique structure which allows for close collaboration between the EMA and national agencies such as the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, MHIA. The UK's departure from the EU poses a risk to this cooperation, but it is possible to continue this work outside of the EU framework. This article was authored by Virginia Archer.