LERU applauds the Commission’s reply to the ECI
The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has warmly welcomed the European Commission’s response to the European Citizens´ Initiative (ECI) ‘Stop Vivisection’.
On Wednesday, the Commission stated that whilst it does share the conviction that animal testing should be phased out in Europe, its approach for achieving that objective differs from the one proposed in the ECI.
Giving his reaction, Professor Kurt Deketelaere, LERU secretary-general, said it was “an important day for the EU”. He commented: “With its response to the ECI, the Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to raising animal welfare standards within the EU and to lead by example on the international stage. This forward-looking directive represents a major step by the EU to advance excellent science and high quality research.”
LERU has argued during the last few months that the use of animals for scientific purposes is still needed and the European directive on the protection of those animals is one of the most advanced pieces of legislation in the world with regard to animal welfare.
The organisation says it strongly endorses the call for furthering research on alternative methods. LERU says it welcomes the actions announced by the Commission in accelerating progress in the 3Rs through knowledge sharing; validating and implementing new alternative approaches; enforcing compliance with the 3R principles and aligning relevant sector legislation; and engaging in a dialogue with the scientific community.
LERU has also reiterated that EU member states share the responsibility of fully and correctly implementing the directive, stressing the importance of the Commission´s follow-up through the infringement procedures.
During the upcoming review of the ECI Regulation, the body added that it will do its utmost to make sure that this instrument remains within the limits of key EU values, such as the importance of research for human and animal health, and the principles that guide its functioning, such as the principle of legal certainty or attributed competences.
