Stem cells (Extract from: Preparation of the Competitiveness Council, 22nd September 2003)

Brussels, 19 th September 2003

The Council will have a first debate on the Commission's proposal of 9 th July 2003 for implementing provisions concerning EU funding for research activities involving the derivation of embryonic stem cells from human supernumerary embryos.

The Council decisions on the specific programmes of the Sixth Framework Programme stipulate that detailed implementation provisions concerning research activities involving the use of human embryonic stem cells which may be funded by the EU will be established by 31 st December 2003.

After receiving the European Parliament's opinion, which is expected to be adopted at the EP's plenary session of 17-20 th November 2003, the Council will handle this issue at its session on th November.

DN: MEMO/03/179 Date: 19/09/2003