EU leaders gave full backing to the European Commission’s life sciences and biotechnology strategy at the Barcelona Summit. "They have followed their Stockholm commitments on biotech," says Hugo Schepens, Secretary General of EuropaBio, "because they know that the Lisbon summit goals cannot be reached without it. No other technology offers the same potential for job creation, innovation and growth."

Biotechnology is a broad economic opportunity in healthcare, food and industrial applications and offers considerable environmental and sustainability benefits. While Europe has now more biotech companies than the US, we produce fewer products, employ fewer people and have less finance to develop the industry. Even though 2000 was the best year yet for European biotech, the USA increased their lead. "We are accelerating, but those we try to catch up with run even faster," says Schepens.

EuropaBio calls on the EU to invest in skills and training of people, to create a predictable legal framework that is respected and implemented across the internal market and to encourage entrepreneurship and private and public investment in the biotech sector.

The European Commission estimates that by 2005 the European biotechnology market could be worth over € 100 billion. By the end of the decade, global markets including sectors where life sciences and biotechnology will constitute a major portion of the new technology applied could amount to over € 2000 billion (equivalent to the 2001 GDP of Germany).

Most of the actions recommended by the Commission in their life sciences and biotechnology strategy require active involvement by Members States. "The next crucial meetings are the Council meetings later this Spring at which we expect ministers to address the specific recommendations made in the policy paper for their responsible areas," says Schepens, "the roadmap is there – we must all do our part now."

EuropaBio has nearly 40 corporate members operating worldwide and 18 national biotechnology associations representing some 1000 SMEs involved in research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. EuropaBio, the voice of European bioindustries, aims to be a promoting force for biotechnology and to present its proposals to industry, politicians, regulators, NGOs, and the public at large.