EU-US relations: Risk Management and the Precautionary Principle

Website providing US perspective on key European issues and policies. Both the United States and European nations have long adopted precautionary regulations in the face of uncertain risks in areas as diverse as biotech foods, BSE (mad cow disease), and chemicals and pharmaceuticals policy. The EU has incorporated a "precautionary principle" into its legislation and wants it included in international treaties. The US, which defends a science-based approach to risk management, does not recognize an overriding precautionary principle, fearing that it could be subject to political pressure or, if taken to extremes, harm technological innovation.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/dgs/policy_advisers/publications/docs/second_dialogue_index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/dgs/policy_advisers/publications/docs/second_dialogue_index_en.htm

---