European Parliament Rejects National GMO Bans Proposal

Wednesday October 28, 2015, The European Parliament approved by 577 votes to 75, with 38 abstentions the recommendation, presented by the rapporteur Giovanni La Via (EPP, IT), to reject the draft EU law that would have allowed any EU member state to ban or restrict the sale or use of EU-approved GM product in its territory. Parliament Members were concerned that if the law was approved, it would have led to reintroduction of border checks between pro- and anti-GMO countries.

The law could have had negative consequences for agriculture in the EU, which is heavily dependent on protein supplies from GMO sources. It could also have indirect negative effects on imports. Finally, there were concerns over whether this proposal could even be implemented, because there are no border controls in the EU, Parliament Members call on the Commission to table a new proposalabout the issue.

European Commissioner for Health and Food safety Vytenis Andriukaitis said that the European Commission will not withdraw the legislative proposal, which will be discussed by EU ministers.