Life sciences and biotechnology

The strategy for Europe on life sciences and biotechnology (COM(2002)27) proposes a comprehensive roadmap up to 2010, bringing the sector to the forefront of the frontier technologies which will help the EU achieve the long-term jobs and growth targets established by the Lisbon European Council (March 2000).

The strategy consists of two parts: policies, and a 30-point plan to transform policies into action. It sets out what is needed from the Commission and the other European institutions, but also suggests what action is required from other public and private stakeholders. The strategy therefore provides a framework and a reference both for individual action by the many stakeholders, and for co-operation between them.

The Commission has monitored the implementation of the strategy and published regular progress reports .

In 2007, the Commission carried out a mid-term review of the strategy, based on an in-depth assessment of the progress made since 2002, and the "Bio4EU" study. This study (requested by the European Parliament) examined the economic, social and environmental consequences of biotechnology. It includes many concrete examples of biotechnology being used in health, food and the environment. The Commission has taken the study as an opportunity to revise the strategy, and the revision will be presented by President Barroso.