92001E2327

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2327/01

by Nuala Ahern (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: Animal testing in the 6th Framework Programme

In its proposal for a 6th Framework Programme the Commission appears to have ignored its legal obligation under the Treaty Protocol on Animal Welfare and also the increasing concern expressed by the European Parliament and EU citizens about the slow rate of progress in developing non-animal alternatives to animal tests used for assessing toxicological hazards of chemicals.

What steps will the Commission be taking to amend this 6th programme and ensure that financial resources are made available to research into the development of non-animal toxicological tests?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2001)

In the process related to the preparation of the new Framework Programme 2002-2006 of the Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, the Commission adopted, on 30 May 2001, proposals for the Specific Programmes(1).

This text clearly mentions the development of new in vitro tests to replace animal experimentation in the research priority (ii) of the thematic priority 1.1.1 Genomics and biotechnology for health (see pages 20 of the text).

Furthermore, it includes several general statements regarding the respect of animal welfare, which concern all activities of the new Framework Programme (see footnote 14, page 18 of the text).

Additionally, flexibility for policy-related research is offered under the heading Anticipating the EU's scientific and technological needs(3) which covers policy-orientated research and could include non-animal testings.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) will continue to undertake the validation of these tests, which is currently performed at ECVAM (the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods). Additionally, the European Chemicals Bureau, the JRC, and Directorate General (DG) Environment will keep promoting acceptance of alternative methods in the regulatory context.

The Commission's White Paper on a strategy for a future chemicals policy(2) clearly states the commitment of the Commission to the legislation on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes and establishes as Action 3 F: To foster research on development and validation of alternative methods both at the Community and at the level of Member States and to enhance the relevant information that can be obtained from testing without simultaneously increasing the number of animals involved.

In view of the above, it appears that the subject, raised by the Honourable Member is well covered in the Specific Programme's proposals. The Commission will continue the policy of reduction refinement and replacement of animal tests.

(1) OJ C 240 E, 28.8.2001.

(2) COM(2001) 88 final.

(3) OJ C 240 E, 28.8.2001.