EU policy on biotechnology

The European Union has been legislating on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) since the early 1990s. Its objective has always been to achieve a high degree of protection of public health and the environment in Europe, while simultaneously creating a unifi ed market for biotechnology.

Over the last few years, this legislation has been modernised in the light of scientifi c developments and public concerns. The new EU legal framework fully entered into force in April 2004. It sets out clear, transparent and stringent rules on genetically modifi ed food, feed and crops. It is possibly the strictest GMO legislation in the world.

Biotechnology has the potential, through agronomically improved crops, to deliver better quality food and environmental benefi ts. Indeed, life sciences and biotechnology offer opportunities to address many of the global needs relating to health, ageing, food, and the environment and sustainable development.

However, the use of GMOs also raises diffi cult policy issues and regulatory challenges, and of course ethical questions. Some applications of biotechnology are widely accepted but agri-biotechnology applications, in particular, have provoked broad public debate. Opinion on this issue is highly polarised in the EU.

Widespread public support is essential. Ethical and societal implications and concerns must be addressed. This brochure examines the issues and presents a summary of EU policy in this area.