MEPs oppose EU Commission's plan to authorise GM cotton

13 Oct '16

2 min read

European Commission's plans of authorising glyphosate-resistant cotton and 4 other genetically modified (GM) seeds are being opposed by a few members of European Parliament (MEPs), who seek a reform in EU's GM authorisation procedure. The 5 non-binding resolutions were tabled by Bart Staes, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Guilliaume Balas, Lynn Boylan and Eleonora Evi.

MEPs are against the authorisation of glyphosate-resistant GM cotton as GMs are now being authorised by the EU Commission without the opinions of member state committees. This was supposed to be an exception to the decision-making procedure of the Commission, but has now become the norm, MEPs said.

Another EU law that would enable an EU member state to prohibit or restrict the sale and use of any EU-approved GM food on its territory was also opposed by the European Parliament in October last year. MEPs are of the opinion that this law might lead to the reintroduction of border checks between anti- and pro-GM countries. They called on the Commission to table a new proposal, said the European Parliament website.

Apart from glyphosate-resistant cotton, MEPs have also opposed the authorisation of maize Bt11, 1507 and MON810 (seeds and products). (KD)

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