November 2010: Eurobarometer, the public opinion analysis sector of the European Commission, published a summary of a survey on life sciences and biotechnology among European citizens. The news release states that Europeans are optimistic about biotechnology, with a majority believing that it will have positive effects, and that the survey revealed knowledge gaps with regard to new technologies such as nanotechnology and synthetic biology.

The survey report states that Europeans: are divided in their optimism about biotechnology and genetic engineering; do not see the benefits of genetically modified (GM) food, consider it probably unsafe or harmful, and are not in favour of GM food development; are generally unaware of nanotechnology but feel that it should be encouraged; have strong reservations about animal cloning and feel that it should not be encouraged; have strong reservations about the safety of horizontal gene transfer and feel that it should not be encouraged; accept the benefits of vertical gene transfer and feel marginally that it should be encouraged while ensuring the special labelling of food products; are not aware and have low acceptance of synthetic biotechnology; consider that the science of regenerative medicine should be allowed to develop, while expressing strong reservations about ethical issues; approve of stem cell research, transgenic animal research and human gene therapy, although believing that strict laws are needed to alleviate concerns about ethical issues; and feel that biofuel development should be supported.

With regard to general evaluation of the impact of different technologies over the next 20 years, the survey report states that 53% of respondents expect a positive effect from biotechnology and genetic engineering, while 41% expect a positive effect from nanotechnology. [Eurobarometer news page] [The Survey report] [The Report to the European Commission]