EuropaBio

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EuropaBio
Type Advocacy group
Industry Biotechnology
Founded 1996 (1996)
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium
Key people Stephan Tanda, Chairman
Nathalie Moll, Secretary General
Website http://www.europabio.org

EuropaBio (The European Association for Bioindustries) is Europe's largest and most influential biotech industry group, whose members include Monsanto, Bayer and other biotechnology companies.[1] The organisation was initiated in 1996 to represent the interests of the biotechnology industry at European level and therefore influence legislation that serves the interests of biotechnology companies in Europe.

Activity and goals

EuropaBio is engaged in dialogue with the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers to influence legislation on biotechnology.

EuropaBio represents the three traditional sectors of the biotech industry.

  • White or industrial biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for industrial purposes, including manufacturing, alternative energy (or "bioenergy") biofuels, and biomaterials.
  • Red or healthcare biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for the production of medicines and therapies.
  • Green or agrifood biotechnology is a collection of technologies using plant organisms and plant cells for the production or transformation of food, biomaterials and energy.

EuropaBio's stated goals are to:

  • promote an innovative and dynamic biotechnology-based industry in Europe,
  • advocate free and open markets and the removal of barriers to competitiveness with other areas of the world,
  • commit to an open, informed dialogue with all stakeholders about the ethical, social and economic aspects of biotechnology and its applications and
  • champion the responsible use of biotechnology to ensure that its potential is fully used to the benefit of humans and their environment.

EuropaBio's primary focus is the European Union but because of the global character of the biotech business, it also represents its members in transatlantic and worldwide forums.

Transforming Europe’s position on GM food

EuropaBio believes there is "an urgent need to reshape the terms of the debate about GM in Europe."[2] In an effort to transform European policy relating to the production and distribution of genetically modified foods within the EU, EuropaBio has proposed the creation of an "outreach program."[3] This entails recruiting high profile "ambassadors" in an effort to sway opinion on GM policy by lobbying European leaders directly. A public relations company working for EuropaBio claimed that a number of well known public figures had expressed interest in the ambassadorial positions. They include Bob Geldof; the chancellor of Oxford University and BBC Trust chairman, Lord Patten; former Irish EU commissioner and attorney general David Byrne, and "potentially" the involvement of former UN secretary general Kofi Annan. The pro-GM science writer Mark Lynas was also approached. The PR firm will research, write, and then place articles but with attribution assigned to the various ambassadors. The firm will also arrange interviews and speaking engagements with international media, as well as speaking slots at major conferences. EuropaBio intends to introduce the ambassadors to high-level European bureaucrats and MEPs in with the goal of making a stronger case for GM within EU institutions.[4][5][6]

Organisation

EuropaBio has a board of management made up of representatives from among its industry members. In June 2011, Dr. Stephan Tanda, Royal DSM Board Member, was appointed for two years as Chair of the Board, prior to that the appointment was held by Dr. Andrea Rappagliosi (GlaxoSmithKline).[7]

The Board is assisted by sectoral councils representing the main segments of EuropaBio - healthcare (red biotech), industrial (white biotech) and agriculture (green biotech).

Experts from member companies and national associations participate in EuropaBio's working groups which cover a very wide range of issues and areas of concern of biotech enterprises.

EuropaBio Secretary General is Mrs Nathalie Moll.[8]

Members

In September 2010, the association represents 66 corporate members operating worldwide, 7 associate members, 4 BioRegions and 22 national biotechnology associations.[9] Through the national associations, EuropaBio represents 1800 small and medium-sized enterprises.

See also

Citations

  1. ↑ Biotech group bids to recruit high-profile GM 'ambassadors' John Vidal and Hanna Gersmann, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  2. ↑ Transforming Europe’s position on GM food - ambassadors programme executive summary Executive summary of the EuropaBio initiative for pro-GM ambassadors programme, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  3. ↑ Biotech group bids to recruit high-profile GM 'ambassadors' John Vidal and Hanna Gersmann, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  4. ↑ Biotech group bids to recruit high-profile GM 'ambassadors' John Vidal and Hanna Gersmann, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  5. ↑ Transforming Europe’s position on GM food - ambassadors programme executive summary Executive summary of the EuropaBio initiative for pro-GM ambassadors programme, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  6. ↑ Draft letter from EuropaBio to potential GM ambassadors Draft letter from EuropaBio to potential GM ambassadors seeking their involvement in the outreach programme, The Guardian, Thursday 20 October 2011, Guardian News and Media Limited
  7. ↑ EuropaBio - How we are organised?
  8. ↑ Press release - EuropaBio Appoints Nathalie Moll as New Secretary General
  9. ↑ Europabio.org

References

External links

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