MEPs debate energy and embryonic stem cell research in FP7

The Parliament’s plenary debate on the industry committee’s report on FP7 showed that embryonic stem cell research continues to divide MEPs. The debate also showed clear support for nuclear energy research.

The Parliament’s industry committee’s report on FP7 was debated in a plenary on 13 June 2006. The rapporteur, Jerzy Buzek said the Parliament’s overall priority was excellence as a criteria for all decisions taken and programmes funded. 

Whether the EU should fund embryonic stem cell  research or not raised a lot of debate. “We can’t have religious vetoes against science,” said a supporter. “Research must make progress, but not at any cost,” argued an opponent. In view of finding a compromise on the issue before the vote, Science and Research Commissioner Janez Poto?nik was asked to reveal the results of a special Eurobarometer on biotechnology, to be published soon, to indicate the public opinion on this issue. “55% of Europeans approve embryonic stem cell research under the current government regulations, 17% under some extra conditions, 9% declare not to approve it under any conditions and 15% say they don’t know,” answered Poto?nik.  

Energy in all its forms was also on many MEPs lips and a number of speeches were made in favour of nuclear energy research, including research on the safety aspects of it. Commissioner Poto?nik also highlighted the importance of energy research. “The challenge is just simply too serious. We can’t ignore any option. All forms of energy need to be taken into account, from hydrogen to nuclear,” he said. 

The Parliament will vote on 15 June 2006 on the 315 amendments done to the Commission’s initial report. Commissioner Poto?nik said the Commission could accept about two thirds of the amendments proposed and agreed with the aims of many others. In the first reading on the FP6, the MEPs needed to vote on double the amount, about 600 amendments. 

For individual speakers’ reactions in the plenary, see Parliament’s press release.

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