Commission launches biotechnology consultation
On 4 September 2001 the European Commission launched a public consultation on biotechnology and life sciences. The Commission's consultation document, 'Towards a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology,' sets out a wide range of issues to be discussed by stakeholders in the run up to new policy proposals planned by the end of the year. Biotechnology and life sciences are fundamental to the transition towards a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. The biotechnological revolution is creating new opportunities for environmental protection, health care, agriculture, food production, energy production and industry. Potential uses include modification to food crops to resist drought and the better adaptation of drugs through the use of genetic information. Europe, however, continues to lag behind the USA in the field of biotechnological innovation and industry. Furthermore, policies in this area are ethically, socially and economically sensitive and European consumers and environmentalists are continuing to voice strong concerns over the application of biotechnology in areas such as agriculture and genetically modified food products. The Commission hopes the consultation will help to resolve these conflicts through dialogue with the stakeholders. Commenting on the initiative, Commission President Romano Prodi said: 'It is of strategic and long-term importance that Europe masters the new frontier technologies, in particular life sciences and biotechnology, and uses them for the benefit of society. We must get our priorities right and plan for the future to ensure that Europe, over the next decades, takes its place at the forefront of scientific and technological development...In the spirit of our new approach to governance, I seek to encourage dialogue and involve all stakeholders in this crucial policy area.' The Commission is to hold a conference on 27 and 28 September with invited stakeholders to drive forward the process of public consultation and dialogue on biotechnology in Europe. It also plans to table a policy paper on biotechnology and life sciences by the end of the year, including an action plan for new EU biotechnology initiatives. The paper will conduct a broad policy review of the significance and challenges of life sciences and biotechnology, building on previous measures such as the Commission's July proposals for additional GMO regulation, proposals for the creation of the European food authority planned for 2002, and the ongoing work of the Commission's independent advisory Group on ethics in science and new technologies.