Ethics are an integral part of EU research policy. This is amply demonstrated in the Commission's Science and Society Action Plan which sets aside an entire chapter to this important subject.

Taking into account ethical aspects of research has a particular significance in the EU Framework Programme as the EU is founded on a common ground of shared values anounced in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. These values include the need to ensure freedom of research and the need to work in the interest of the physical and moral integrity of individuals. One of the tasks of the Commission's services is to analyse, through ethical reviews, whether these values are respected in the research activities funded under the Framework Programme.