News

The Eurobarometer 2005 survey shows that there is widespread public support for medical (red) and industrial (white) biotechnologies, while there is opposition in most European countries to agricultural (green) biotechnologes, such as genetically-modified (GM) food (see news article). The survey, taken approximately every 2-3 years, is based on a representative sample of 25,000, approximately 1,000 people in every Member State. It seeks to paint “a portrait of European citizens” that can be used in policy discussions.

That portrait shows that, in comparison to earlier surveys, European citizens are “more optimistic about technology, more informed and more trusting of the biotechnology system.” The European public is not risk-adverse towards technological innovations that are seen to promise tangible benefits.” There is support for the development of nanotechnologies, pharmacogenetics and gene therapy, as these are seen as “both useful and morally acceptable.” There is also interest in more research into the risks and benefits of stem cell research, provided that there are tight regulations in place. Bio-fuels, bio-plastics and bio-plants for pharmaceuticals are supported. A majority of those surveyed said that they would pay more for a car that runs on bio-fuels. There is general, but not overwhelming, support for the use of genetic data for personal medical diagnosis and of gene banks for research. Equally, there is support for forensic uses of DNA, but most people oppose the use of genetic data by insurers or for governmental reasons such as social security.

The exception to this general level of support for biotechnology is GM food, as a majority of those surveyed see it as “not being useful, as morally unacceptable and as a risk for society.” When comparing European views with those of people in the US and Canada, there are some differences of opinion. Europeans are as optimistic about computers, IT, biotechnology and nanotechnology as those in North America. But Europeans and Canadians have similar views on GM food, while Americans see this technology as beneficial and less risky.