MEP requests clarification of precautionary principle
French MEP Béatrice Patrie will be arguing for clarification by the European Commission concerning the proposed use of the precautionary principle with regard to scientific information on 13 December. Reporting on a Commission communication, Mrs Patrie from the Environment Committee will claim that the EU's approach to the use of the precautionary principle should be made clear, and not only in the light of current developments on the BSE front. She will also emphasise the need for a well-balanced position in which are considered on a case-by-case basis. Mrs Patrie's draft resolution, invoking clearer guidelines, calls on the Council to adopt a resolution by the end of this year on the EU's approach to using the precautionary principle. She would like to see the principle used whenever, as a result of incomplete, inconclusive or uncertain scientific information, there are reasonable grounds for concern that the environment or human, animal or plant health may suffer.