B4-0484/97

Resolution on the mandate of the Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology to the European Commission

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the opinions to date of the Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology to the European Commission (GAEIB),

- having regard to its resolutions of 16 March 1989 on ethical and legal problems of genetic engineering ((OJ C 96, 17.4.1989, p. 165.)) and on artificial insemination 'in vivo' and 'in vitro' ((OJ C 96, 17.4.1989, p. 171.)) and its resolution of 12 March 1997 on cloning ((Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 9.)),

- having regard to the 1991 communication by the Commission to the European Parliament and Council 'Promoting the competitive environment for industrial activities based on biotechnology within the Community' (SEC(91)0629),

- having regard to the Commission's White Paper 'Growth, competitiveness, employment - The challenges and ways forward into the 21st century',

- having regard to the Council of Europe's Convention for the protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine ('Bioethics Convention') ((Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 19 November 1996, document DIR/JUR(96)14 of the Directorate of Legal Affairs of the Council of Europe.)), and its resolution of 20 September 1996 on the draft convention ((OJ C 320, 28.10.1996, p. 268.)),

A. whereas the mandate of the GAEIB expires on 31 July 1997,

B. whereas there is a need to ensure that the benefits of biotechnology are not lost as a result of misuse, lack of ethical limits or of sensationalist information,

C. whereas adequate methods of regulating and policing developments in the field of genetics must be established,

D. whereas all necessary information must be made available to the public; whereas the EU must take the lead in promoting public debate,

E. whereas the GAEIB has played, and should continue to play, an essential role in that debate,

F. whereas research into the field of biotechnology has great potential to benefit humanity but that ethical considerations must be respected,

1. Reaffirms its belief that it is essential to establish ethical standards, based on respect for human dignity, in the areas of biology, biotechnology and medicine, and that such standards should apply, if possible, globally and conform to a high level of protection;

2. Acknowledges the work which the GAEIB has carried out to date and the contribution it has made to public information and debate on biotechnology, but points out that its working methods and structure must be improved;

3. Points out that too much attention has been paid to the interests of research and not enough to the possible effects on society;

4. Calls on the Commission to renew and clarify the mandate of the GAEIB and in particular its composition, duties and terms of reference and to consult and report to Parliament at all stages; considers that Parliament should be consulted on the appointment of members of the GAEIB;

5. Deplores that the statements of the GAEIB are in some cases not clear enough (for example as regards germ line intervention or the cloning of human beings) and points out that it has always condemned these and other methods and techniques which violate human dignity;

6. Calls on the Commission to bring forward proposals to guarantee Parliament's involvement in ethical questions relating to biotechnology; considers that the Commission should present an annual report to Parliament on these questions and on the activities of the GAEIB;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the governments of the Member States.