The EGE was established in December 1997 to succeed to the Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology. The role of the EGE is to give advice to the European Commission (EC) on ethical aspects of science and new technologies. It also exchanges views with NGOs and national bodies.
During the second mandate (2000-2005), the Group issued opinions on: patenting inventions involving human stem cells research and use, biomedical research in developing countries, genetic testing in the workplace, human tissue engineered products, research on human embryos and implants in the human body. The report summaries some of the reflections the group and provide reflections in the light of the current debate on ethics in the 7th Research Framework programme.
This year the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, has reappointed six of the previous members and nine new members of EGE with a mandate until 2009. The increase in membership from 12 to 15 now means that EGE has wider competence and it reflects also the Enlargement process.
The European Parliament (EP) is satisfied now because the membership seems more balanced between liberal and conservative views.
Nanomedicine and stem cells are the two issues which are more likely to dominate the early work programme.
