Malta has made a declaration opposing an EU proposal for research activities that involve the destruction of human embryos to be eligible for funding under the proposed Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

During the EU Competitiveness (Research and Space) Council in Brussels, Malta made a declaration on ethical principles in view of the proposal.

Malta called on the European Commission to abandon plans regarding the eligibility for funding of all research activities which include the destruction of human embryos.

It also asked for a commitment at the European level to reinforce the research on human adult stem cells.

"Malta is firmly of the opinion that Europe should fully abide by the principle of subsidiarity and abstain from financing research activities involving matters of fundamental ethical principles, which differ among the member states," the government said.

Malta's declaration can be read in the pdf link below.