Block on Eu Cash for Stem Cell Research

New rules for allowing EU funds to be spent on controversial stem cell research, needed to find therapies for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, were blocked yesterday.

Italy failed to overcome disagreements between governments which have highlighted religious and ethical differences in regards to using human embryos for medical purposes. This means that plans for central EU funding for such research will be put off for the foreseeable future.

Ireland, taking over the union's rotating presidency from Italy next month, said it would drop the issue.

The European commission, backed by the European parliament in a vote last month, wanted stem cell work to be funded from the EU's €17.5bn 2002-06 research budget.

Supporters pointed to potential health benefits and warned that Europe was likely to fall behind in potentially lucrative biotechnologies if it did not adopt clear rules.

A moratorium on central funding, in place until the end of this month, is now likely to be extended indefinitely.

Germany, Austria, and Italy reiterated strong opposition to spending EU money on embryo research, forms of which are illegal in several member states. The three had enough votes to block the proposal.

The EU research commissioner, Philippe Busquin, deplored the failure to agree.