The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Commission's in-house research facility, has launched a study on the social, economic and environmental consequences and challenges of modern biotechnology. "The study will be a very useful and timely contribution. It will help to inform the debate on biotechnology at European level and provide a scientifically sound basis for future decisions," said Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik when launching the study on 21 October. Biotechnology is driving innovation in medicine, agriculture and industry. Biotech-based industrial techniques consume fewer resources, clean up the environment and provide substitutes for more harmful chemical processes. And new possibilities are opening up for preventing, treating and curing hitherto incurable diseases: it is estimated that over 8 percent of biotechnology activity in Europe is health-care related. The Commission is currently updating its Biotechnology Strategy of 2002 in preparation for the Spring European Council 2007.
If you want further information on the EU's policy regarding biotechnology, consult the Commission's fact sheet.