WRITTEN QUESTION E-1483/01 by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission. Research and experiments on primates.
Date: 2001-05-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, animal experimentation, animal welfare, application of EU law, protection of animals

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/49

The Commission is aware of the existence of the Dutch boys singing group (cid:145)De Buddy(cid:146)s(cid:146) and the
controversy which surrounded the inclusion on a recent CD of the song (cid:145)Kauf nicht bei (cid:214)sterreichern(cid:146),
intended as a protest against the formation of the current Austrian Federal Government. The Commission
is not aware of any action having been taken by the Dutch authorities as a result of the release of this
song.

(1) OJ L 180, 19.7.2000.
(2) OJ L 185, 24.7.1996.

(2002/C 40 E/045)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1483/01

by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission

(18 May 2001)

Subject: Research and experiments on primates

Under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research the EU funds a great deal of research into the
treatment of diseases, some of which involves tests on animals. In particular, hundreds of non-human
primates are kept captive for the purpose of testing. One of the principles of scientific research on animals
is (cid:145)the Three R(cid:146)s(cid:146) rule (cid:129) replace, reduce and refine.

In what ways does the European Commission ensure that experiments funded by EU money respect such
principles, are in fact necessary and do not subject the animals involved to undue cruelty? Are recipients of
such funds obliged to ensure that no alternative methods of testing exist? What ethical and moral
conditions, if any, are built into the contracts for funding of research?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2001)

The Honourable Member will be aware that all research in Europe involving the use of animals is subject
to the Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 (1) on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes. The Member States have responsibility to enforce this.

The Commission has been most vigilant as
implementing the Fifth Framework Programme on Research and Technological Development.

regards animal experiments and animal welfare in

The annex of the Decision of the the Council (2), concerning the Quality of Life Programme specifies that
funding of research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal
experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or other
alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants for proposals to describe the procedures
adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the
welfare of animals.

In addition, research on the development of alternatives to animal experiments and animal welfare is
supported under this programme.

An independent ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life Programme
for proposals dealing with sensitive issues such as the use of non-human primates. The ethical review
panel includes, among others, representatives of animal welfare groups. The ethical review ensures that all
research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Directive 86/609/CEE. It takes account of the
overall benefit of the research proposed in relation to the possible costs in terms of animal suffering.

C 40 E/50

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.2.2002

Funding of the project will not be granted before all ethical questions has been satisfactory answered. All
participants engaged themselves contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements.

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.
(2) 1999/167/EC: Council Decision of 25 January 1999 adopting a specific programme for research, technological
development and demonstration on quality of life and management of living resources (1998 to 2002) (OJ L 64,
12.3.1999).

(2002/C 40 E/046)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1515/01

by John Purvis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 May 2001)

Subject: Intra-communal strife in the Moluccas province, Indonesia

Could the Commission provide an assessment of the extent of deaths, injuries and displacements suffered
by the Christian and Muslim people of the Moluccas in the current civil strife? Is it satisfied that the
Indonesian government is doing everything possible to return the province to normalcy so that the people
can return to their homes without fear of attack? Would the Commission be prepared to provide an
investigative team to report on the causes of the strife, if invited to do so by the Indonesian government?
What provision is being or can be made by the European Union to assist with an effective recovery
programme in the Moluccas?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2001)

The Commission closely follows events in the archipelago and shares the concerns expressed by the
Honourable Member.

It is virtually impossible to assess the extent of violence in the Moluccas, as any verification of sources,
injuries and
however credible,
displacements are in excess of the level seen in East Timor. The population of the Moluccas is suffering
very heavily from the present situation.

is difficult. It would, however, be safe to assume that the loss of life,

Like the majority of the international community, the Commission considers that the conflict in the
Moluccas is primarily an internal matter of Indonesia, and that it should be addressed first and foremost by
the Indonesian government as well as by civil society organisations, the religious communities and other
institutions. A number of religious leaders have begun a process of social reconciliation.

From the outset of the conflict, only humanitarian assistance has been permitted from outside Indonesia.
Since 1999, the European Community(cid:146)s Humanitarian Office (ECHO) has intervened in the Moluccas,
insofar as the precarious security situation has permitted, to ease the humanitarian tragedy, by providing
including
assistance through non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
internally displaced persons. A new operation is currently being planned.

to the victims of

the conflict,

The Commission has not been asked by the Indonesian Government to provide an investigative team to
report on the causes of the conflict. However, the Commission has participated in two fact-finding
missions (in late 2000 and early 2001) to the area.

The possibility of support for the longer term social development of the Moluccas and other targeted areas,
with the aim of contributing to an improvement in this difficult situation, will be examined in the context
of the Commission(cid:146)s preparation of a country assistance strategy for Indonesia.