Brussels, 26 Nov 2003
The Council heard the presentation of Commissioner Philippe Busquin on the Commission's revised proposal in the light of the opinion of the European Parliament. This revised text concerns the main conditions for the use of stem cells procured from human embryos for research activities funded under the Sixth Framework Programme specific programme "Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area".
After discussing this issue informally over lunch, the Council decided to meet again on 3 December with a view to taking a decision.
The Commission's proposal aims at establishing implementing provisions concerning research activities involving human embryos and human embryonic stem cells eligible for Community funding as envisaged by the Council/Commission statement at the time of the adoption of the specific programme "Integrating and strengthening the European research area" adopted on 30 September 2002.