Aspects of Regulation of Xenotransplantation in Europe.

Abstract

The Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU) share the same fundamental values, i.e., human rights, democracy and the rule of law, but are separate entities which perform different, yet complementary, roles. The CoE brings together governments from across Europe, and beyond, to agree minimum legal standards in a wide range of areas. CoE monitors how countries apply the standards that they have chosen to sign up to. It provides technical assistance, often working together with the EU. The EU refers to those same European values as a key element of its political and economic integration processes. It often builds upon CoE standards when drawing up legal instruments and agreements which apply to the member states, furthermore, monitoring work in its dealings with neighbouring countries, many of which are CoE member states. At CoE, the European Committee on Organ Transplantation (CD-P-TO) is the steering committee in charge of organ transplantation activities. In the EU, the regulation on Substances of Human Origin (SoHO) was endorsed in 2024. The CoE and the EU thave concluded an agreement expanding their co-operation in the field of SoHO. In the BTC regulation, xenotransplantation is not included.