IBBIS, the Pandemic Action Network, Pour Demain, and RAND Europe joined forces to co-host a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament, in collaboration with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Hildegard Bentele (EPP, DE), rapporteur of the report The Future of the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Sector: Leveraging Research, Boosting Innovation, and Enhancing Competitiveness (draft released March 21, 2025).

Bringing together senior experts from the European Commission, as well as MEPs across key political groups and committees, this roundtable aimed to shed light on:

• The evolving biosecurity policy landscape within the EU and internationally
• The intersection of synthetic biology and AI—its opportunities, challenges, and the policy pathways to bolster security while maintaining Europe’s competitive edge
• Emerging risks, security challenges, and research implications, alongside proactive measures to mitigate potential threats
• The pivotal role of funding mechanisms and international collaboration in strengthening biosecurity

Following insightful panel presentations, a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion unfolded, engaging policymakers, experts, industry leaders, and civil society representatives. A strong consensus emerged:

the EU must take a leadership role in ensuring that innovations in synthetic biology are underpinned by robust safeguards to mitigate biosecurity risks.

This engagement aligns with IBBIS’s ongoing global efforts to reinforce biosecurity in emerging biotechnologies. As part of our project assessing the biosecurity components of ISO 20688-2, we continue to work closely with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to drive best practices in DNA synthesis screening and promote responsible innovation.

We extend our sincere thanks to MEP Bentele and her team, as well as the distinguished speakers, including Olivier Girard, Head of Unit for Medical Counter-Measures at HERA, and Thomas Heynisch, from the Health Ecosystem Directorate at DG GROW, European Commission.

IBBIS remains committed to fostering collaboration and dialogue on biosecurity, ensuring that scientific progress serves humanity while adhering to the highest safety and security standards.