Before the European Group on Ethics can formulate its advice, it must first assess what knowledge and evidence is needed, and draw on the support of SAEGE and the EGE secretariat in gathering it. This knowledge-gathering begins as soon as the scoping paper is adopted.
The role of SAEGE
SAEGE is an independent project whose main purpose is to support the European Group on Ethics with knowledge-gathering and analysis.
Drawing on the scoping paper and its own internal discussions, the European Group on Ethics decides what support it needs from SAEGE on a case-by-case basis. This can include:
- reviewing and synthesising relevant academic literature, as well as so-called ‘grey literature’ (reports, policy documents, webpages, and so on)
- mapping the current state of knowledge and scholarship, and identifying gaps
- conducting preliminary ethical analysis on requested areas relevant to the Group’s work (for instance, divergences between different ethical perspectives, philosophical arguments, and societal values)
- cataloguing relevant policies and legal context to include in the policy landscape
- identifying and consulting with independent experts, which includes not just academic researchers but also individuals and communities with lived experience of the issue
- coordinating with scientific experts where their input is needed (for instance, where coordinated advice is being prepared with the Scientific Advice Mechanism)
Depending on the time available, SAEGE usually works in parallel with the Group and the EGE secretariat, and it can sometimes work on more than one piece of advice at once.
SAEGE works independently from the other parts of the Ethics Advice Mechanism, both in gathering and synthesising knowledge. But it is guided by a specification of work that is drawn up by the EGE secretariat, and communicates regularly with members of the Group.
The role of the EGE secretariat
The EGE secretariat coordinates the work of the whole Ethics Advice Mechanism. A key part of this role is managing the interactions between the European Group on Ethics and SAEGE, to ensure that SAEGE’s knowledge-gathering activities respond to the needs of the Group, while protecting SAEGE’s independence in its work. For this purpose, the secretariat draws up one or more specifications of work which guide SAEGE in its work.
The EGE secretariat is also responsible for evaluating the policy context for the issues under discussion. This usually involves drafting a policy landscape document, which describes the current state of law and policy in all relevant fields. This document helps the European Group on Ethics to situate its advice in the current policy context, maximising its usefulness to policymakers.
The policy landscape work can be supported by SAEGE on request.
Consulting with external experts
During the knowledge-gathering phase, the European Group on Ethics can also choose to consult with external experts. This can happen in several ways:
- through individual meetings organised by the EGE secretariat
- through expert workshops (which can be organised or co-organised by SAEGE)
- through SAEGE creating a dedicated expert working group as part of its knowledge-gathering and analysis work
Depending on the subject and the timeframe, the Group may also choose to meet relevant stakeholders from governments, non-governmental organisations, or civil society.