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Life sciences and biotechnology have given rise to significant public attention
and debate. Promoting dialogue
among stakeholders and organising public debates will accompany and guide the
development of life sciences and biotechnology and ensure effective
and responsible policies that are in harmony with societal values.
Without broad public acceptance and support, the development and use of life
sciences and biotechnology in Europe will be contentious.
Our society should offer the necessary safeguards to ensure that the development
and application of life sciences and biotechnology take place respecting the
fundamental values of human life and dignity.
Europe needs to
achieve a common understanding among all stakeholders and policy makers and
resolve diverging views. If biotechnology
is to work for Europe, political leaders must make some tough choices to handle the ethical dimension and to harness biotech’s potential
so that it meets the needs and expectations of EU citizens.
EuropaBio's Core Ethical
Values
EuropaBio's Core Ethical
Values Charter is a pledge of responsible behaviour
and all members of EuropaBio are bound by them.
We
believe that the swift and steady development of science and
technology calls for rapid identification and clarification of the
ethical aspects of this development.
We
want to anticipate and explore the impact of change and to discuss
its effects with the scientific community, the public and their
elected representatives.
The well-being of humans and animals, and the
quality of our environment are the major concerns of any civilised
society. They are fully shared by all of EuropaBio's member
companies.
We
support authorisation procedures for genetically modified organisms
based on rigorous and science-based safety assessments that are
coherent, transparent and predictable.
We
believe that both the scientific community and the industry should
invest enough time and energy to work together with the public on
addressing their concerns.
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Ethics
and Dialogue