Without prejudice to the competence of Member States as regards ethical issues, the Commission shall, on its own initiative or at the request of the European Parliament or the Council, consult any committee it has created with a view to obtaining its advice on the ethical implications of biotechnology, such as the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, on ethical issues of a general nature.

This consultation may also take place at the request of a Member State.

This consultation is conducted under clear rules of openness, transparency and public accessibility. Its outcome shall be accessible to the public.

The administrative procedures provided for in this Directive shall not be affected by paragraph 1.