A European Approach to Human Enhancement

The workshop A European Approach to Human Enhancement took place at the premises of the European Parliament in Brussels on 24 February 2009. The workshop was held to conclude a Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA) project on the influence of human enhancement in the European Union and to discuss policy options that the EU could take towards human enhancement.

Human enhancement, the use of technology to improve bodily functions, is a rising trend. New human enhancement technologies offer opportunities for individuals and for society. They also pose new risks, however, for instance with regard to human identity, social solidarity and healthcare cost and capacity.

The workshop addressed reasons why the EU should address human enhancement, as well as policy options for EU involvement. Around forty participants attended the meeting, representing various research institutions, universities, advisory councils, non-governmental organisations and government bodies, including the European Parliament and the European Commission. The workshop was organized by the Institute of Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) and the Rathenau Institute.