By Winfried Kluth, Professor Dr. iur.

The law of the European Union determines only a general framework for research on human embryonic stem cells. There is no specialized European legislation on this topic. Therefore, the legal situation in the twenty-seven (27) member states is not harmonized. The EU member states have taken different regulatory positions. This has negative effects on research projects in those countries with a higher lever of protection regarding human embryonic stem cells, such as Germany.