The Council of Ministers has authorised the signing of the Collaboration Agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the Complutense University of Madrid for scientific coverage in the field of risk assessment and identification of genetically modified microorganisms.

The total cost of the aforementioned Agreement amounts to an amount of one hundred and fifty thousand euros (150,000 euros), charged to the State Budget distributed in two annuities of 75,000 euros each for the years 2006 – 2007.

The Directorate-General for Environmental Quality and Assessment has, among other functions, the assessment of the environmental risk of chemical products, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other substances, as well as the promotion and promotion of traceability measures in accordance with the provisions of the European Union.

The Complutense University of Madrid, and specifically the Department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, has technical capacities of the highest level to work on the scientific-technical aspects related to the identification and application of methodologies to assess the risks to human health and the environment of genetically modified organisms, especially microorganisms, intended for use as human or veterinary medicinal products. Both institutions have collaborated effectively in the assessment of the risk to human health and the environment of GMOs. With this Agreement, the Complutense University and the General Directorate of Environmental Quality and Assessment will be able to continue the studies that contribute to improving the protection of human health and the environment against the risks that may be caused by these microorganisms, being necessary a better use and coordination of resources in this area in order to be able to comply with the obligations assumed in this regard with the European Union and other bodies international such as the Cartagena Protocol.