July 16, 2010
EU states should have decision-making authority on GM crops
The European Commission has formally proposed that member states should have the choice to ban the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops.
"Experience with GM crops so far shows that member states need more flexibility to organise the coexistence of genetically modified and other types of crops," said Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli in a statement.
The proposal from the commission, the EU's executive arm, would give EU member states the power to restrict or ban genetically modified crops, even after an EU approval procedure based on health and environment risk assessment has given a green light, the commission said.
Currently, the EU authorises GM crops on a case-by-case basis. However, a decade-long opposition by some member countries has been slowing approvals, with decisions ultimately falling on the commission because of continued disagreements in national governments.