Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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| 20.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 70/151 |

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(2004/C 70 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2871/03

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(22 September 2003)

Subject:   Research on human embryos and embryo stem cells

The proposal for a Council decision[(1)](#ntr1-CE2004070EN.01015101-E0001) amending Decision 2002/834/EC states that at the Council meeting of 30 September 2002, the Council and the Commission agreed that ‘detailed implementing provisions concerning research activities involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells shall be established by 31 December 2003.’ Until that time, the Commission will not propose to fund such research, with the exception of proposals for projects that involve the use of banked or isolated human embryonic stem cells in culture. ‘This leads to the conclusion that the Commission considers that research using human ‘supernumerary’ embryos or stem cells created from them will, as from 2004, be able to receive funding, even if the implementing measures have at that time yet to be adopted, come into force or become applicable. This position would appear to contradict the Commission's statement that ‘during that period [until 31 December 2003] and pending establishment of the detailed implementing provisions, it will not propose to fund such research’ (See 12374/02 ADD 1, p. 5.).

Can the Commission confirm that it will not propose to fund such research until the detailed implementing provisions are adopted, in force and applicable?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2003)

On 30 September 2002 the Council and the Commission agreed that detailed implementing provisions concerning the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells which can be financed under the sixth Framework Programme will be defined between now and 31 December 2003.

To this end, the Commission adopted a proposal amending the specific research programme on 9 July 2003[(2)](#ntr2-CE2004070EN.01015101-E0002). The Council and the Commission have undertaken to reach an agreement and complete the legislative process, after Parliament has given its opinion, by 31 December 2003 at the latest.

The Commission confirms that do its utmost to honour this commitment and hopes that Parliament will provide active support.

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