Industry Biotechnology Founded 1996 | Headquarters Brussels, Belgium Type of business Advocacy group | |
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Key people Stephan Tanda, Chairman
Nathalie Moll, Secretary General Website | ||
EuropaBio ("The European Association for Bioindustries") is Europe's largest and most influential biotech industry group, whose members include Monsanto, Bayer and other biotechnology companies. The organisation was initiated in 1996 to represent the interests of the biotechnology industry at European level and therefore influence legislation that serves the interests of biotechnology companies in Europe.
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Activity and goals
EuropaBio is engaged in dialogue with the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers to influence legislation on biotechnology.
EuropaBio represents the three traditional sectors of the biotech industry.
EuropaBio's stated goals are to:
EuropaBio's primary focus is the European Union but because of the global character of the biotech business, it also represents its members in transatlantic and worldwide forums.
Transforming Europe’s position on GM food
EuropaBio believes there is "an urgent need to reshape the terms of the debate about GM in Europe."
In an effort to transform European policy relating to the production and distribution of genetically modified foods within the EU, EuropaBio has proposed the creation of an "outreach program." This entails recruiting high-profile "ambassadors" in an effort to sway opinion on GM policy by lobbying European leaders directly. A public relations company working for EuropaBio claimed that a number of well known public figures had expressed interest in the ambassadorial positions. EuropaBio intends to introduce the ambassadors to high-level European bureaucrats and MEPs in with the goal of making a stronger case for GM within EU institutions.
Organisation
EuropaBio has a board of management made up of representatives from among its industry members. In June 2011, Dr. Stephan Tanda, Royal DSM Board Member, was appointed for two years as Chair of the Board, prior to that the appointment was held by Dr. Andrea Rappagliosi (GlaxoSmithKline).
The Board is assisted by sectoral councils representing the main segments of EuropaBio - healthcare (red biotech), industrial (white biotech) and agriculture (green biotech).
Experts from member companies and national associations participate in EuropaBio's working groups which cover a very wide range of issues and areas of concern of biotech enterprises.
EuropaBio Secretary General is Mrs Nathalie Moll.
Members
In September 2010, the association represents 66 corporate members operating worldwide, 7 associate members, 4 BioRegions and 22 national biotechnology associations. Through the national associations, EuropaBio represents 1800 small and medium-sized enterprises.