No EU consensus on research involving embryonic stem cells in FP7

No EU consensus on research involving embryonic stem cells in FP7

EU research ministers failed to reach a consensus on the funding of research involving embryonic stem cells under the forthcoming Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), leaving in place the current piecemeal system.

The stalemate came during a Council of Ministers meeting in March at which six countries were opposed to the idea of any EU funding going to embryonic stem cell research, 15 were for it and four are neutral.

Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Malta and Slovakia attempted to garner additional support for a total ban, at EU level, of research using embryonic stem cells, but failed to gather a qualified majority. However, their ‘blocking minority’ means, for the time being, that the current system will stay in place for the time being.

The current FP6, which is due to end this year, evaluates research in this field on a case-by-case basis. Eight projects have been funded in this way. Before researchers receive Union funding, they must prove that there is no alternative to using embryonic stem cells, such as the less controversial adult stem cells, and that there is a clear public good to be had from the research. In addition, the EU does not fund such research in countries which do not permit it.

Continued deadlock could further slow down the approval of FP7 (2007-2013).

Source: the EU Commission: Biosociety news