Public Consultation for New Nanotechnologies Action Plan

Monday 21 December 2009

On December 18, 2009, the European Commission launched a public consultation on a future action plan on nanotechnologies. This consultation invites input from interested parties. It will close on February 19, 2010.
A new Action Plan for Nanotechnology is being considered by the Commission for addressing the technological and societal challenges of this type of technology for the next five years. The aim of this initiative is twofold: 1) to implement a dynamic and responsive policy addressing legal, societal and ethical issues and 2) to strengthen research and innovation efforts with increased emphasis on sustainable development and competitiveness and with more attention to health, safety and environmental issues.
We need to understand how nanomaterials interact with living organisms in order to ensure their safety and learn how they affect the environment throughout their life-cycle. This is important for ensuring product safety and a high level of protection of human health and the environment, while grasping the full benefits of nanotechnologies. Work on effective implementation of regulation will continue in parallel.
A climate of trust that includes a direct and continuous societal dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration is key for achieving the objectives described above.

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