New GMOs advance in Europe
On 14th March a major hurdle towards the deregulation of new GMOs was cleared in Europe as the Council agreed a position, opening the door for negotiations with Parliament and the Commission.
Poland, which was a key blocking country until it assumed presidency of the Council of the European Union in January, was reportedly subject to high-level political pressure and corporate lobbying before changing it’s position.
At stake is labelling, risk assessment, patents and control over Europe’s food supply. But the fight is not over yet.
Image credit: Peter Sudovský, Citizens initiative Slovakia without GMOs
From our allies:
“Council mandate on NGTs threatens to strip farmers’ and breeders’ freedom of choice” – Biodynamic Federation
“The unbelievable has become a reality, EU countries have unlocked the gates for new GMOs and agree to their deregulation.” – Citizens initiative Slovakia without GMOs
“New GMOs deregulated: EU countries bring deregulation of new GMOs one step closer – but fight not over yet” – Corporate Europe Observatory
“ENGA statement on the Council of the EU’s position on New Genomic Techniques” – European Non-GMO Industry Association
“EU ambassadors back new GMOs deregulation: a dark day for farmers, consumers, nature” – Friends of the Earth Europe
“EU ambassadors back new GMOs deregulation: A dark day for farmers, consumers, nature” – GMWatch
“Irregular goings-on in GMO deregulation vote” – GM Watch
“EU governments back loophole for new GMOs” – Greenpeace European Unit
“Council position on NGT proposal fails to protect EU breeders, farmers, & food industry: Parliament must stand strong for patents & traceability during trilogues” – IFOAM Organics Europe
“Economy beats science: Is the EU ready to deregulate NGT plants?” – TestBiotech
