Genome editing refers to new forms of targeted intervention to alter the genomes of any organisms. The Opinion’s area-specific analyses are complemented by overarching considerations on long-debated questions revived by genome editing, notably about the different meanings that ought to be attributed to humanness, naturalness and diversity.
The EGE is calling for a wide-ranging and inclusive societal debate on genome editing, for efforts towards joint monitoring and learning with regard to both regulatory and scientific developments, and for international engagement towards global governance. The debate should be based on democratic principles, take into account present and future generations and include local and European perspectives.
The Opinion was delivered to the President of the European Commission and to Commissioner Gabriel (Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth), and transmitted to Commissioners Kyriakides (Health and Food Safety), Sinkevičius (Environment, Oceans and Fisheries) and Wojciechowski (Agriculture).