The European Commission wants to put a special focus on innovation, research, market development and the debate with society on ethical issues in the field of biotechnology. In a mid-term review of the Strategy on Life Sciences and Biotechnology 2002 – 2010, presented today by European Commission President Barroso and European Commissioners Verheugen and Potocnik, a refocus of actions has been proposed to promote a competitive and sustainable European knowledge based Bio-Economy. Competitiveness can be ensured by the promotion of research and market development, innovation programmes, societal debates, sustainable development of agriculture and better implementation of legislation. Life sciences and biotechnology offer the prospects of new and renewable bio resources, lower energy and water consumption, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduced dependence on petroleum. They also play a growing role in the discovery and development of new medicines, advanced therapies, diagnostics and vaccines. Biotechnology as a scientific technique has existed for more than 5000 years. It was first used in foodstuffs, such as bread, cheese, wine and beer. Modern applications of biotechnology include the production of enzymes, used in very practical day to day products like washing powder, or the creation of bio-plastics, which degrade considerably quicker than conventional plastics, thereby reducing waste. Biotechnology is also used to develop new life-saving medicines and medical devices. New applications are being developed all the time and Europe should be at the forefront of these developments. [European Commission Press Release]

The European Commission reviewed its strategy on Life Sciences and Biotechnology. This sector has the potential to make a significant contribution to the sustainability and competitiveness of European industry and the quality of life of Europe's inhabitants. This background note gives some key facts and figures about the sector, outlines the revisions proposed to the strategy and highlights some of the on-going and planned support to research in this area. [European Commission Press Release]

The safety of medical devices such as surgical equipment or implants is to be significantly improved after the adoption of a proposal by the European Commission, today by the European Parliament. There will be stricter rules for the use of potentially toxic materials, for which adequate labelling will be required. Furthermore the safe single use of devices is enhanced. A study will be done to see how better reprocessing of devices can be achieved. Apart from this, specialized medical software will fall under the scope of the new Medical Device Directives, which have been updated in the light of new technological developments. The European Parliament vote is based on a compromise, reached with the Council, which is expected to adopt the package shortly. [European Commission Press Release]

The European Commission agreed funding for the creation of a European registry for human embryonic stem cell lines. The main objective of this new initiative, funded through the EU's Research Framework Program, is to provide comprehensive information about all human embryonic stem cells lines available in Europe. A publicly accessible internet site will contain high quality data about the cell lines (e.g. cell characteristics) and will inform on interesting developments, such as clinical trials. There will be details on the sources of the stem cell lines and contact data. The registry will also include information on human embryonic stem cell lines obtained from on-going and future EU-funded projects. 81 different lines are currently used in EU projects. The project has been agreed for 3 years, with EU funding of just over €1m. [European Commission Press Release]

The European Commission announced the creation of a European registry providing comprehensive information about all human embryonic stem cell lines in Europe. This background note gives some more information about the project, as well as describing the context for European support of research using human embryonic stem cells. [European Commission Memo]

The European Commission authorised the placing on the market of three oilseed rapes known as Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8xRf3, genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium. This decision is valid for 10 years and covers the use of the oilseed rapes for imports and processing into animal feed or for industrial purposes. It includes measures to be taken by the company who developed the GM oilseed rapes to prevent any damage to health and the environment in the event of accidental spillage. Processed oil derived from these GM oilseed rapes has already been approved for food use in 1999 and 2000 in the EU. [European Commission Press Release]