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European Commission Releases Green Paper on Bio-Preparedness

By Shana R. Deitch, August 24, 2007

On July 11, 2007, the European Commission released its Green Paper on Bio-Preparedness to “stimulate a debate and launch a process of consultation at [the] European level on how to reduce biological risks, and to enhance preparedness and response.”1 European Commission green papers typically serve as vehicles for European Union (EU) Member State input and are precursors to white papers, which often propose action items and legal solutions. The recommendations included in the paper are the result of two European Bio-Preparedness seminars and a workshop—Transport and Traceability of Bio-materials—as well as other formal and informal stakeholder meetings held by the European Commission in 2006.

Many of the existing EU bio-preparedness tools, structures, and approaches were initially developed for food safety and fraud-prevention initiatives. However, according to the report, “These instruments could be built on and used for the purpose of further reducing biological risks, including bioterrorism.”1

The report identified guiding principles to advance the European Union’s bio-preparedness, including using available mechanisms such as peer evaluation, awareness-raising campaigns, and funding to facilitate planning activities before introducing new legislation; using existing structures and organizations to build and carry out implementation activities; ensuring that preparedness measures are proportionate in relation to the specific threat; involving the private sector and the research community; and relying on EU member state leadership and coordination at the national level to develop and implement consistent plans to bolster EU preparedness as a whole.1

The above principles may be useful in addressing some critical issues in the EU’s bio-preparedness planning, such as:

• Lack of knowledge among researchers and biologists of legal restrictions regarding dangerous agents;
• The need for enhanced physical security and biosafety standards at laboratories, including establishment and practical implementation of minimum security standards;
• The need for clearer policies and procedures on research with potential dual-use applications and a professional code of conduct for biological researchers;
• Improved surveillance capacity and capabilities;
• The need for advance planning for the development of medical countermeasures and the market for them; and
• Improved multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional coordination and cooperation.1

According to the report, stakeholder feedback on the green paper will help the Commission evaluate existing preparedness efforts and to identify gaps and possible actions for improvement and planning.1 The report contains several sets of questions intended to address some of the outlined principles and issues. Stakeholder feedback on the report is due back to the Commission by October 2007.

Reference

1. Green Paper on Bio-preparedness. Commission of the European Communities. July 11, 2007. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2007/com2007_0399en01.pdf. Accessed August 22, 2007.