Press Release: Life Sciences and Biotechnology: Launch of public consultation

The European Commission launched on 4 September 2001 a wide public consultation on life sciences and biotechnology, in preparation for a policy initiative planned later in 2001. The Commission issued a consultation document, 'Towards a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology', mapping the wide range of issues linked to the biotechnological revolution. 0n 27-28 September 2001, the Commission will host a stakeholder conference bringing together the many interested parties, to drive forward a broad and constructive public debate on biotechnology in Europe. At the March 2001 European Council in Stockholm, the Commission stressed the need for Europe to master the frontier technologies that are fundamental to the transition towards a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. Recognising also that life sciences and biotechnology give rise to complex ethical, social and economic issues, the Commission undertook to draw up a comprehensive policy paper by the end of 2001. With this initiative, the Commission wishes to contribute to the development of a forward-looking strategic approach to biotechnology in Europe. The Commission will present an action plan for new EU biotech initiatives and propose recommendations for Member States, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders, in line with the subsidiarity principle and the White Paper on Governance.