Ethical and Value-based Aspects of the European Commission's Precautionary Principle

摘要: In February 2000, the EuropeanCommission adopted a Communication on theprecautionary principle. This states how theCommission intends to apply principle andestablishes guidelines for its application. Thedocument is intended inform discussions oninternational agreements. particular, itprovides defense of European Union (EU)precautionary policies in case tradedisputes, example, EU isaccused imposing unfair trade barriers onexports genetically-modified (GM) productsfrom United States under rules theWorld Trade Organisation. communication,the Commission emphasizes scientificaspects precautionary principle, perhapspartly counter claims from US officials thatthe EU's reluctance accept GM imports notbased science but politically-motivated.However, by definition moralguide behavior. other words, it anethic. The should beviewed as complement science, beinvoked when lack scientific evidencemeans that outcomes are uncertain. Anyinterpretation this needs placeat least much emphasis ethical andvalue-based aspects scientificjustification. Commission's interpretationrisks undermining painstaking progress madeamong member inresponding public concern about crops andfood adopting increased precaution. Thispaper explores balance between thescientific and ethical/value-based ofthe set out theCommission's communication, make casethat value-based aspectsrather than theguidelines need strengthening.