The representative of the European Communities introduced a communication on the precautionary principle adopted by the European Commission on 2 February 2000. He indicated that this communication was intended to contribute to the ongoing debate in international fora on the application of the precautionary principle. The European Communities hoped that this communication would help to build a common understanding of how to manage risks in situations of scientific uncertainty where the scientific evidence was insufficient to conduct a proper risk assessment, and to dispel fears that the precautionary principle might be used in an arbitrary way or as a disguised form of trade protectionism. The European Communities considered that there was a need to establish guidelines for a correct and reasonable application of this principle internationally. The precautionary principle should not be invoked to justify arbitrary measures; on the contrary, the European Communities considered that measures based on the precautionary principle must comply with the general principles of risk management, such as proportionality, non-discrimination, cost-effectiveness and transparency.