Biotechnology and the White paper on growth, competitiveness and employment: preparing the new stage

The European Parliament adopted the report by Mr Gordon ADAM (PSE, RU)(Mrs Hiltrud BREYER having preferred to withdraw as rapporteur) on 'Biotechnology and the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment: Preparing the Next Stage'. The report emphasizes that the biotechnology policy of the European Union as a key area of research, innovation and production can make an important contribution to sustainable development, competitiveness and employment, but must at the same time be in line with other policy objectives of the Union, particularly in the fields of agriculture, the environment, health, technological development and competitiveness. The report also notes that genetic engineering is only one aspect of biotechnology and calls for the development of appropriate research or support programmes for other biotechnology areas. Furthermore, it calls on the Commission and the Member States 'actively to encourage public dialogue by providing comprehensive, accurate and readily understandable information on genetic engineering research and production, its prospects and risks, rather than merely trying to secure public acceptance'. Finally, the European Parliament is in favour of increasing the responsibility of research institutions. The Plenary also invited the Commission to propose measures capable of providing effective support to biotechnology in the face of international competition. �