My colleague, Mr Busquin, the Commissioner in charge of research, has just created a group of high level scientists to advise on the way to better communicate complex scientific data. Not every one is a micro-biologist or a genetician, but citizens want and need to know. Some fear that the concerns and anxieties expressed for food will spill over on other sectors such as the pharmaceutical sector. I believe a comprehensive debate is necessary , involving all stakeholders , that is scientists, industry, consumers, ethicists, public authorities. I would like to emphasise here that although the Commission can contribute to a rational debate, it is at national level , taking account of the specific interests and specificities of each country that communication will be effective.
National authorities have a key role to play.
Second, there should also be clarity and transparency in the decision-making process. It also speaks about involvement of the public in the decision-making process itself. We have to see how best this can be reflected in the regulatory framework on GMOs. Thirdly, information implies labelling as a means to provide the information consumers demand. I believe that an appropriate labelling system of genetically modified food is one of the cornerstones in resolving the current controversy concerning the application of biotechnology.