Memo: Stockholm European Council: Commission to shape strategic vision for life sciences and biotechnology

On 13.3.01, in preparation for the Stockholm European Council of 23-24 March 2001, the European Commission took note of an information note that paved the way for a strategic Communication on biotechnology, to be sent to the Council and Parliament by the end of 2001. The biotechnology strategy would aim to implement Europe's commitment to sustainable development, by ensuring that it reaped the full benefits of biotechnology's potentially huge contributions to economic growth, social development and environmental protection. The information note also highlighed the need to address ethical and societal issues relating to biotechnology