Press Release: Commission takes initiative to restore confidence in GMO approval process

On 12.7.00 the European Commission decided to propose to Member States a strategy to regain public trust in the approval procedure for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The objective is to resume the authorisation process for GMOs in the near future whilst addressing public concerns on GMOs as well as problems of legal uncertainty for stakeholders. The Commission wants to give a clear response to political and legal concerns over GMOs which favours consumer choice and legal certainty. The Commission calls upon the Member States to play their part in paving the way for a clearer and more comprehensive GMO strategy in Europe in the future and promoting an open public debate. The Commission proposes to apply the key provisions on the revised directive on the release of GMOs in the environment to all new GMO approvals after agreement on its content has been reached between the Council and the European Parliament. The conciliation procedure is due to start on the 19.9.00. Further measures on labelling and traceability of GMOs will be put forward in autumn 2000.

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