WRITTEN QUESTION P-0052/02

by Dana Scallon (PPE-DE) to the Council

(22 January 2002)

Subject: Embryonic research

In the Council, four Member States (Italy, Germany, Austria and Ireland) opposed European funding of research using human embryos. This research is also forbidden in France. In the context of the European Union sixth framework programme for research (2001-2006), how does the Council consider the European Parliament's legislative resolution of 14.11.2001(1), leading to extend funding to projects which have been ruled out in one third of EU Member States?

In this context, the European Commission's DG Research which is supposed to raise all concerns regarding embryo research argues that it promotes a balanced view on the possibilities and difficulties linked to embryonic research(2). How does the Council consider the fact that, whilst steadily promoting embryonic research, the DG Research has simply ignored these national laws, undermining them to positions taken by Talibans(3)?

(1) on the Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the multiannual framework programme 2002-2006 of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of the European Research Area (COM(2001) 94 C5-0087/2001 2001/0053(COD)).

(2) Letter from Commissioner Busquin to an MEP, 21.12.2001.

(3) Press Conference by Mr Busquin 18.12.2001.

Reply

(13 May 2002)

The Honourable Member will be aware that, in respect of the Council's views on the European Parliament's legislative resolution of 14 November 2001 concerning the Commission's proposal for the Sixth Framework Programme (EC) with regard to the funding of research using human embryos, the Council's common position adopted on 28 January 2002 and, in particular, the accompanying statement of the Council's reasons, states that:

- the Council has agreed with the European Parliament to include references to a number of relevant international instruments on which to base the ethical evaluation of Framework Programme activities, including those relating to the issue of research using human embryos;

- as to the interpretation of these principles, in view of the recent and rapid developments, in particular in the field of biotechnology, as well as ongoing discussions, including those taking place in the European Parliament and at the national level, the Council found it inappropriate to establish, at this stage, a list of research topics to be excluded from Community funding. Nevertheless, the Council is committed to examining this issue in greater depth, where appropriate, with the European Parliament.

At the time of the adoption of the Council's common position certain delegations, including those referred to by the Honourable Member, made known their views concerning research involving the use of human embryos. These views figure in the Minutes of the 10 December 2001 Council. The Council, for its part, will consider its position in depth during the course of the discussions at the second reading stage of the proposal for the Sixth Framework Programme.

The Council is unable to comment on the stance taken by Services of the Commission on this issue. It is suggested that the Honourable Member address the Commission directly on this matter.