Abstract

Reference: EC 2001 
Title: Towards a Strategic Vision of Life Sciences and Biotechnology: Consultation Document
Authors: Commission of the European Communities
Publisher: European Commission, Rue de la Loi, 200, Wetstraat, Bruxelles-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Publication details: September 2001, 32p

At the European Council in Lisbon in March 2000, the European Union set itself a new strategic goal: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world.  In February 2001, at the Stockholm European Council, the Commission recalled the economic, social and environmental potential of life sciences and biotechnology and, in consequence, the strategic and long-term importance for Europe of mastering these sciences and technologies and their applications. The Commission also stated its intention to present, by the end of 2001, a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology to 2010 and beyond.

Life sciences and biotechnology raise different types of issues that should be addressed at the appropriate level in accordance with the subsidiarity principle. In some areas, the Community has a clear responsibility (for example concerning trade and internal market implications as well as handling the implications of life sciences and biotechnology on existing Community policies). In others, the responsibility lies with the Member States (e.g. on setting the ethical principles). The cross cutting nature and importance of life sciences and biotechnology and their implications call for a careful reflection on overall coherence and on the involvement of civil society and stakeholders.

Over the last decade, Europe has experienced a broad public debate on a wide range of questions related to life sciences and biotechnology, demonstrating the complexity of the issues facing modern society and the challenge of finding socially acceptable solutions in our pluralistic societies. This consultation document lays out some of the Commission's current thinking, and suggests specific questions and issues on which the Commission would particularly welcome comments.

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