Brussels, 28/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 28 May, the European Commission decided not to continue with the “One of Us” citizens initiative which had, nonetheless, been backed by almost 1.9 million signatures in more than 18 EU member states (see EUROPE 11058). The Commission explained that, “after having met with the organisers of the initiative and studied their request, the Commission has decided not to submit a legislative proposal, given that Member States and the European Parliament have only recently discussed and decided EU policy in this regard”.
The controversial “One of Us” citizens' initiative had asked the EU to end the financing of activities which pinvolve the destruction of human embryos, in particular in the areas of research, development aid and public health.
The Commission has concluded that the existing funding framework (the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation), which was recently debated and agreed by EU member states and the European Parliament, is the appropriate one. Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research, stated: “We have engaged with this Citizens' Initiative and given its request all due attention. However, Member States and the European Parliament agreed to continue funding research in this area for a reason. Embryonic stem cells are unique and offer the potential for life-saving treatments, with clinical trials already underway. The Commission will continue to apply the strict ethical rules and restrictions in place for EU-funded research, including that we will not fund the destruction of embryos”.
EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs pointed out that complications in pregnancy and childbirth are still today the cause of death of “too many women”. That is why the international community included a specific target to reduce maternal mortality and achieve universal access to reproductive health as one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Commissioner justified the Commission's decision not to continue with the citizens' initiative by arguing that “our development programmes in this area aim to expand access to effective family-planning services, therefore preventing the need for abortions”.
Some of the other arguments underpinning the decision involve: - the detailed “triple lock” system with regard to any research involving human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC), a system which the Commission considers in full accordance with the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; - the European Commission “does not explicitly set out” to fund research involving human embryonic stem cells. Rather, the Commission funds research into treatment for diseases or healthcare challenges, for instance therapies for Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, or diabetes. Research may involve human embryonic stem cells if these are part of the best project proposals. Between 2007 and 2013, the EU funded 27 collaborative projects in health research involving the use of human embryonic stem cells, with an EU budget contribution of €156.7 million. Total health research spending in the same time period was around €6 billion.
Nonetheless, those backing this initiative believe that two million signatures have effectively been thrown in the rubbish bin. The Commission had until 28 May to give its official verdict on this initiative. (LC)