WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2134/98 by Philippe DE COENE , Anne VAN LANCKER to the Commission. Length of the ECVAM Director's term of office
14. 5. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 135/9 (1999/C 135/011) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2079/98 by Magda Aelvoet (V) to the Commission (7 July 1998) Subject: European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives We have heard that there are problems regarding the continuity of the work of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternatives, which develops alternatives to tests on animals. We are convinced that the ECVAM carries out valuable work. Is it true that the Director of the ECVAM, Mr Balls, was appointed for only two years rather than the 1. customary five? 2. Is this situation jeopardizing the survival and efficient operation of the Centre? Does the Commission agree that the ECVAM has done important work and must be able to continue 3. it? (1999/C 135/012) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2134/98 by Philippe De Coene (PSE) and Anne Van Lancker (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Length of the ECVAM Director’s term of office (10 July 1998) The term of office of the Director of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) has recently been renewed. The usual term is five years, but this time an extension of only two years has been granted. Limiting the term of office in this way will seriously jeopardize any research that is launched during the period concerned. Many research projects can obviously not be completed in such a time, and two years is also too short to draw any well-founded long-term conclusions. Scientific centres will not attach much credibility to the ECVAM when they realize that the Director has barely two years to carry out his research. Does the Commission not agree that it makes scientific sense to grant a full term of five years? What are the reasons for choosing a shorter term? (1999/C 135/013) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2452/98 by Paul Lannoye (V) to the Commission (30 July 1998) Subject: ECVAM The appointment of Mr Balls, the director of ECVAM (the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods), a body set up by the EU, has been extended by two years. Since the director is normally appointed for a period of five years, the associations working for the protection of laboratory animals are concerned for the future of the institution. As ECVAM is one of the rare organisations bringing together experts in the validation of alternative methods, it would be regrettable if its existence were to be placed in jeopardy. Can the Commission tell me what the future prospects of ECVAM are?