Biotech industry supports common security market for Bio-Preparedness

19-Feb-2008

EuropaBio, the European Association for Bio-Industries, welcomes the conclusions from the STACCATO workshop on Bio-Preparedness. Approximately 100 experts in the field of bio-safety and bio-security met with the European Commission DG Health and consumer protection and DG Justice, Freedom and Security in Brussels to discuss the next steps on Bio-Preparedness and possible future public/private partnerships with the biotech industry.

"This workshop was an opportunity to identify issues across the supply chain and also highlight the prospects for a common security market, while making clear the need for EU standards. Hearing about European and international programmes on Bio-Preparedness from experts at the workshop was highly valuable for us," said STACCATO coordinator Gloria Martini, from ASD - The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe.

During the conference the EU presented the results of the stakeholders' consultation on the Green Paper on Bio-Preparedness. "The risk of bioterrorism has been low, while the consequences could be devastating and could affect several member states. We should not focus only on terrorism, but we also need to look at generic preparedness and take into consideration all threats and we need to be prepared to handle all crises. Much has already been done, but more is needed," said Jan-Peter Paul, Adviser to the Deputy Director General responsible for economic analysis from DG Health & Consumer Protection.

A first step towards a common market is to map all the competences that can be found in Europe and EuropaBio and its partners are developing the STACCATO database at the EU Commission to track and identify organizations who could be potential suppliers to the defence industry.

"EuropaBio is pleased to contribute to the discussion on Bio-preparedness and supports the EU Commission in the efforts to create a common security market," said Andrea Rappagliosi, Chairman of EuropaBio's Healthcare Council. He continued, "Following the workshop, EuropaBio will expand the network of bio-safety and bio-security experts and develop its cooperation with law enforcement authorities by taking part in the DG Justice, Freedom and Security's Annual Work Programme 2008, Prevention and Fight against Crime."

https://www.analytica-world.com/en/news/78032/biotech-industry-supports-common-security-market-for-bio-preparedness.html