MEP questions use of Article 169 in FP6
Danish MEP Ulla Margrethe Sandbæk has questioned the use of Article 169 in the European Commission's Sixth Framework programme (FP6) for research and technological development on account of its restrictive nature. The comments came at an EU-ACP joint parliamentary assembly and were made in reference to research on malaria vaccines. Ms Sandbæk expressed her regret that FP6 is likely to be based on Article 169 of the EC Treaty and not Article 171, which would be a more appropriate legal basis, according to the MEP. 'Article 169 only creates a legal basis for cooperation between the Member States and the EU, whereas article 171 makes it possible to finance projects outside the EU,' Ms Sandbæk explained to CORDIS News. Ms Sandbæk was however optimistic about the prospects for vaccine development in Europe. She pointed to the fact that five vaccines have already been produced and are currently being tested in a number of networks. Ms Sandbæk also highlighted the establishment of clinical testing platforms in Europe, but called for African networks to become associated with them as soon as possible so that tests may be carried out in the relevant countries.