Biosafety Europe

Coordination, harmonization and exchange of biosafety and biosecurity practices within a pan-European network.
A project mandated by the European Commission within the 6 ^th Framework Programmme on Research and Technological Development

The project ended on 30th November 2008 following a meeting in Brussels at which the findings and recommendations of the project were presented.

Overview

• 19 Partners – including EBSA - from 10 different countries
• Duration: 1 ^st April 2006 – 30 ^th November 2008
• Coordination and contact: Kathrin Summermatter

Strategic objective

To build up a pan-European network of experts in biosafety and biosecurity and to develop policy recommendations to the EU regarding harmonisation of biosafety and biosecurity, including training.

Summary

BIOSAFETY-EUROPE is a Coordinated Action funded by the EC through the 6 ^th Framework Programme. It explored the implementation of European Directives concerning biosafety and biosecurity practices within Europe which aim to reduce accidental and terrorist-led exposure of workers and the environment to dangerous pathogens and Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs). It has formulated recommendations in four topics: I) Biosafety, II) Biosecurity, III) Cost-effectiveness and IV) Training and presented them to the relevant EC authorities. The close out seminar took place on 30 ^th November 2008 in Brussels at which these findings and recommendations were presented to a larger audience and to stakeholders including representatives of European and North American agencies and the World Health Organisation.

The project’s recommendations and documents can be found on the website: http://www.biosafety-europe.eu/