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| Statement of ecopa in regard to the EU 6th Framework Program |
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| The ecopa working group was informed that the draft version of the EU Sixth Framework Program on Research and Development, to be started by 2002, does not provide for any key action on funding research with respect to alternative methods to animal experiments. There is even no mentioning of alternative methods in other key actions. Since upcoming issues such as the White Paper on a Strategy for a future Chemicals Policy or testing for so called Endocrine Disrupters urgently call for further development of alternative methods, it is absolutely unacceptable that there shall be no longer any funding for such methods
in the European Union in the forthcoming years. This, however, is in sharp contrast to the promises given during the Fifth Framework Program to even intensify the efforts made so far. The 6th Framework Program includes priorities such as biotechnology, food safety and health risks, which may result in an increasing number of animal experiments. The credibility and integrity of those responsible to set up and execute the European funding program will be completely lost if the Framework Program doesn't include the development of alternative methods as one of the priorities. Moreover, by not supporting alternative methods, a totally wrong
message is sent to the European public, the industry and the scientific community. The public will no longer believe that funded research programs finally will result in applicable methodology, usable for the replacement of animal experiments. The ecopa working group therefore urgently calls upon the Commission to revise the draft Framework Program accordingly! |
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