Doc. 11002
5 July 2006

Nanotechnology: need for regulation?

Motion for a recommendation
presented by Mr Randegger and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

Nanotechnology counts besides Gen – technology, Information – technology and Robotic as a key technology of the 21st century;

1.       In many sectors of the industry intensive research on new materials and new processes is underway with the goal to develop new products (Machinery industry, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, medicine, electronics, textile industry, food sector and many more); Most of them will probably be a benefit for society and the individual.

2.       Research on possible risks of nanoparticles for man and environment is in its infancy. In view of the fast development of nanotechnology and the lack of risk assessment and regulation the following questions are raised.

-       Are nanoparticles containing materials toxic in relation to product-workplace-and consumer-safety or can such material be treated like ordinary material?

-       Are threshold limits or guidelines needed for nanoparticles containing material?

-       Where are the liability risks?

For a sustainable development there is a need for a better knowledge of these matters.

3.       The Assembly therefore asks the Committee of Ministers to examine in what way the Council of Europe might contribute to answer these questions and to support the development of nanotechnology.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed 1:

RANDEGGER, Johannes, Switzerland, ALDE

AGER, Hans, Austria, EPP/CD

BARGETZE, Rony, Liechtenstein, EPP/CD

COŞKUNOĞLU, Osman, Turkey, SOC

de PUIG, Lluís Maria, Spain, SOC

DROMBERG, Kaarina, Finland, EPP/CD

Baroness, HOOPER, Gloria, United Kingdom, EDG

HUSEYNOV, Rafael, Azerbaijan, ALDE

IBRAHIMLI, Fazail, Azerbaijan, ALDE

WESTERLUND PANKE, Majléne, Sweden, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group