Commission takes action on bioterrorism
The European Commission has decided on the first steps to be taken in response to the threat of bioterrorism. The establishment of a new expert group, enhanced pan-European cooperation and the drawing up of an inventory of relevant research activities across Europe will help paint a clearer picture of Europe's bio-defence potential. The issue of a role for research in relation to the threat of bioterrorism had been added to the agenda of the Research council on 30 October, where these measures were decided. Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, outlined a plan to establish an expert group made up of Commission members and personnel from relevant Member State authorities, including those covering research and defence. This group will set about establishing an inventory of ongoing European research activities in the field of bio-defence, as well as of the available expertise in this field. This information should lead to greater coordination and cooperation between these programmes and personnel. Some of the possible actions that could come from the work of the expert group include harmonisation of the data and procedures in the different European countries. Increased exchange of information is also on the agenda. The Commission states that the expertise provided by its Joint research centre (JRC) will be key in this field and indicated that longer term projects could be integrated into its research Framework programmes.