Brussels, 25/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - Will the EU have to contribute to the funding of research into embryonic stem cells, given the ethical problems this issue raises? And if the answer is in the affirmative, in what framework? This is the theme of an inter-institutional seminar held in Brussels on 24 April, the results of which should be able to contribute to fleshing out the Commission's proposal it is preparing to resolve this pending issue. As well as representatives from the Commission, Council and Parliament, the event also brought together a considerable number of scientists, legal experts and high level specialists in ethics.
Last September, the Council and Parliament adopted specific research programmes allowing for the implementation of the sixth EU research framework programme, with reservations about funding for surplus embryo stem cell research. During the adoption process for the framework programme, two institutions agreed to exclude the following from Community funding: human cloning; transmissible modifications of human genetic inheritance; the creation of embryos for exclusive research or stem cell production goals (by "nuclear transfer"). One question, however, was left pending: that of research into stem cells from existing embryos ("surplus embryos"), produced in fertility in vitro operations and embryo transfers that have not been used but are preserved. Although the Commission and the Parliament established grounds for agreement, the Council was unable to reach consensus on the issue, given the lack of agreement within its own structure. Therefore, the disparity of legislation on research into stem cells from "surplus" embryos is significant, with some countries such as Germany and Spain banning it, while others like the United kingdom allow it. A moratorium stipulating that this kind of research will not be funded before the end of 2003 (except for cells from isolated cells or those preserved in cell banks) has therefore been decided on by the three institutions (Commission Council and Parliament). There was also agreement on a fact finding report on the issue to be established by the Commission and that the latter would present a proposal on Community funding for embryonic stem cell research before the end of the year.
Published at the beginning of April, the report reveals research interest into stem cells and the perspectives that this offers but it also illustrates the range of opinions in terms of ethics, as well as the heterogeneity of the legislative situation in the EU. Thursday's seminar should allow for clarification on the unresolved issues, whether they are scientific, philosophical and determine their respective attributes, as well as their positions. During the meeting, European Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, was keen to point out: 1) the benefits, indeed the necessity of a case by case approach insofar as, "a general rule is not necessarily the best formula because these issues must be considered in their context"; 2) the importance given to the opinions of the European Ethics Group, the variety of backgrounds and view of its members that give it a "representative character and real European legitimacy". Addressing the press, MrBusquin indicated that the seminar results would enable provide added value to the Commission proposal on Community funding into research into embryonic stem cells. He also underlined that this proposal would be presented in "May or June".
Speaking on behalf of the EU Presidency, the Greek Minister for Development, Akis Tsohatzopoulos declared that his country would do its best to "find common approaches", explaining that the Presidency would closely cooperate with the Commission and the Parliament in a way that the Italian Presidency would be able to conclude the case during the next six month rotation. Carlos Westendorp y Cabeza (ITRE committee) said that this would involve "finding the right balance in a difficult case". He also added that this would mean finding a solution that weighs up both ethical and scientific criteria. He was unequivocal about supporting funding for research into embryonic stem cells insofar as "Europe had to provide itself with the means of competing with other areas". He also criticised his own country, Spain, which bans this kind of research and from where some researchers are exiled to Singapore to pursue their work.