Research plays key role in EU civil protection strategy
Research is to play a key role in a communication approved on 28 November by the European Commission, which outlines an EU civil protection strategy drawn up in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks in the USA. At the European Council in Ghent on 19 October this year, EU Heads of State and Government called on the European Commission and the Council to organise an urgent and coordinated programme to respond to the threat of bioterrorism. The Commission's initiative to coordinate research efforts in Europe and network top researchers will bring together expertise in important areas, the communication states. In addition, the Joint Research Centre, in coordination with Member State laboratories, is leading European efforts to investigate the use of genetic techniques for transgenic strain detection and vaccine production. Earth monitoring and satellite navigation initiatives will also have a key role to play in the quick and cost-effective provision of information, says the document. In addition, the communication sets out the action taken to upgrade the Commission's civil protection network, which offers a 24-hour 'one stop shop' service to any national authority faced with an emergency. The service can activate teams of specialists and equipment across the European Union at short notice. A three-point action plan has also been developed with national authorities to set up a monitoring and information centre, pool information on nuclear, bacteriological and chemical expertise and draw up an inventory of information on serum and vaccines. The cooperation mechanism of the Commission's network for infectious diseases has also been improved. The network aims to provide a rapid alert system, early identification of transmissible diseases and the sharing of existing knowledge and resources on vaccines and other medications. The Commission has also stepped up collaboration with the WHO (World Health Organisation) and health ministers around the world. It has been working with the pharmaceutical industry to examine control of the production and distribution of potentially harmful substances as well as treatments and vaccines. All of the above measures will be coordinated and managed by a high-level European coordinator nominated by the Commission, responsible for the management and coordination of civil protection in Europe. Commission President Romano Prodi said: 'Recent events have shown how important it is to reassure the public that we are ready and prepared, at European level, to react to terrorist threats. The Commission has swiftly extended its existing civil protection system to deal with such threats, be they of biological, chemical or nuclear origin, in an effective and coordinated manner.' Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström added: 'This is not about words or strategies, it's about concrete action. We have a good record of providing help and assistance, where it is needed in times of crisis...For me, the civil protection network is a priority, and it's a striking example of how the Commission can offer real and direct benefits to people and their governments.'