Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92001E1483

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-1483/01 by Elspeth Attwooll (ELDR) to the Commission. Research and experiments on primates.** 
  
*Official Journal 040 E , 14/02/2002 P. 0049 - 0050*

  

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 the Three R's rule - 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 regards animal experiments and animal welfare in implementing the Fifth Framework Programme on Research and Technological Development.

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. 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).

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