The debate on stem cell research in the EU

Abstract

The stem cell and therapeutic cloning debate was a major issue in the discussions under the sixth and seventh Framework programmes for research and Development. This dissertation studies the differences between Member States, Political Groups and Institutions on the matter. This is done by analyzing the Parliamentary debates, Council minutes and Commission official documents and scrutinizing the different political positions in each. This paper will argue that the views held by the Council Members depend on their national constitutions, the state of research activities at home and the national values. Similarly, Parliamentary groups support or contradict the research depending on their position on the political spectrum with the liberals in favour and conservatives against, however this dissertation will argue that certain MEPs base their arguments according to the position taken by their national government. Finally, the Commission is seen as the motivator that pushes the research forward and strives for a compromise.