Centre-right set to push for GMO rethink

Date: 30/09/1999

By Simon Coss

THE centre-right's dominance in the new European Parliament looks set to prompt demands for planned new rules to govern the procedure for approving genetically modified crops to be relaxed.

UK Socialist MEP David Bowe, who is steering the proposed changes to the 1990 EU directive (90/220) through the Parliament, believes the European People's Party (EPP) may demand a more 'pro-industry' line to help the biotechnology sector when the assembly votes on the issue early next year.

His predictions appear to be borne out by comments from the EPP's spokesman on biotechnology, Peter Liese. "I think the new law should be as flexible as possible. Of course we must ensure that consumers are protected but if we do not introduce more security, only more bureaucracy, then industry will be punished and jobs will be lost," he said.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has confirmed that responsibility for ensuring 90/220 is respected by Union governments will remain with the institution's environment department, at least for now.

It had been rumoured that the dossier could be moved to the health and consumer protection department to ensure that all aspects of EU policy concerning GMOs were dealt with under one roof.

Although this could still happen under long-term reform proposals being drawn up, officials say there are no plans to make such changes in the immediate future.

It has been confirmed, however, that the veterinary medicine section of the Commission's agriculture department, which is drawing up proposed new laws on GM animal feed, will be moved to health and consumer affairs.

Commission President Romano Prodi will make a statement to the Parliament next week outlining how he intends to improve the way his institution handles GMO policy.

The centre-right's dominance in the new European Parliament looks set to prompt demands for planned new rules to govern the procedure for approving genetically modified crops to be relaxed.