Focus: Brussels: A little glimpse of ethics for the union

The business of ethics is not something one naturally associates with the European Union. The union conjures up images of political, economic, and social discussion, leaving intellectual debate on ethics to others. But that image is not entirely accurate: for the past two years a high powered group of advisers has been giving the European Commission the benefit of its collective wisdom on the ethical implications of biotechnology. It is now about to assume a much more public profile.

The guiding force behind the group's creation was Jacques Delors, the commission president. He signalled his intention in a speech at Strasbourg five years ago. As he said then: “The ethical dimension is once again coming to the fore, and we must step up the debate about these fundamental issues which concern the very essence of human life and society.” …