WRITTEN QUESTION E-1629/01 by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. EU funding for research involving primates.
Date: 2001-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU research policy, animal experimentation, animal welfare, medical research, protection of animals, research method

20.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 364 E/163

(2001/C 364 E/180)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1629/01

by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: EU funding for research involving primates

It is reported that the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in Rijswijk (Netherlands) is receiving grants
from the EU budget.

Can the Commission state how much money is involved and what experiments are being carried

1.
out?

How does the Commission justify expenditure on this type of research to those who are

2.
fundamentally opposed to the use of primates in medical research?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2001)

In the Fifth framework programme for Research and Technological Development (RTD), the Commission
has so far funded the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) to a total amount of approximately € 4,3
million. The funding encompasses several three-year research projects started in 1999 and 2000. They
cover research areas, such as vaccine and drug development for human immunodeficiency syndrom (HIV),
tuberculosis, malaria and hepatitis C.

The Commission has been most vigilant as
implementing the Fifth framework programme for RTD.

regards animal experiments and animal welfare in

In the Annex of the Decision of the Council (1), concerning the Quality of Life Programme, it is specified
that funding of research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal
experiments and tests on animals, which should, whenever 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 is 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.
legal and ethical requirements.
Furthermore, participants in research projects must fulfil all national
Funding of the project will not be granted before all ethical questions have been answered satisfactorily.

The BPRC, which is situated in the Community but independent of the Community, has engaged itself
contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements.

(1) 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).