Current rules and regulations
Until now, there have been strict regulations in the EU regarding the approval processes, risk assessment, and labelling of genetically modified crops for the production of food. They were first determined in 2001. In 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled that the regulations, which are more than 20 years old, also apply to processes involving new genetic engineering (NGT), such as the DNA scissors Crispr/Cas.
In many member countries, such as Germany, France, and Italy, the general public is against genetically modified plants and foods. Many governments follow this opinion and oppose the approval of further GM crops in Brussels. It seems that genetic engineering does not have a priority position on the European stage. However, real politics differs from big actions.
Currently, 94 different GM crops are approved in the EU, usually containing different varieties of maize, soy and cotton. It is permitted to import and use them as food and feed. On average, the responsible EU authority (EFSA) takes 3.6 years to complete the scientific safety assessment after the application is submitted. It takes another 1.3 years until the final authorization.
All member states and the EU Parliament have approved the EU’s genetic engineering laws, which are in effect. There are regulations that allow the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Although these regulations are strict and difficult, blanket bans without a scientific basis are not planned and are actually not allowed.
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There is a lot of political rhetoric about possible dangers and strict precautions, while on the other hand, existing genetic engineering laws are discreetly implemented. This contradiction creates a mixture that appears quite chaotic from the outside.
Advantages and disadvantages of the EU’s plans?
The Commission intends that techniques such as Crispr/Cas gene scissors no longer have to be subject to EU genetic engineering directives if the varieties produced could arise naturally without genetic engineering, for example through crossing and selection.
It would be easier to breed food and fodder plants more quickly and in a more targeted way, as they would be more resistant to water shortages or pests, for example. EU member states are no longer allowed to impose legal restrictions on the spread of such plants. According to the Commission, the EU’s goal is to make agriculture more resilient. Deregulation is intended to encourage the development of plant species that are more resistant to climate change and pests. The aim is for them to require less pesticides and fertilisers. The aim is to increase yields and free the EU from agricultural imports. The European Union’s “Green Deal” comprises the package of measures that is part of the climate project.
The EU plans were positively received by business associations, many conservative and liberal politicians, and research institutes. As early as 2019, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina called for a review of NGT plants, arguing that the old EU rules no longer reflected the latest research findings and could not be “rationally justified”.
On the other hand, these measures also have some negative effects.
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Germany’s highest nature conservation authority, warns of negative effects on ecosystems. There is also a greater danger with NTG plants than with conventionally genetically modified plants.
The planned relaxations are also criticised by the food industry. The plans stipulate that many products based on genetically modified plants no longer have to be labelled. According to Franz-Martin Rausch, Chief Executive of the German Food Trade Association (BVLH), it is essential for consumers to have clear consumer information in order to make their own decisions.
In June, Green member of parliament and agricultural economist Karl Bär had already expressed that the proposal would mean the end of organic farming when the plans became known. Organic farming is defined without genetic engineering, but with genetic engineering, it requires increasing caution, against contamination by windblown seeds. Critics are concerned that large companies could gain more authority and influence through patents. Farmers may soon no longer be able to pay patent fees for genetically modified crops.
It will probably be months, if not years, before the new proposals come into force. It is necessary for the European Parliament and the EU countries to find a common position. However, the proposals are controversial in both the Parliament and the Council of Member States. Finally, there is the possibility that the new plans on genetic engineering will also be brought before the European Court of Justice. Besides Germany, Austria, Italy, and some countries in Eastern Europe also view this issue as rather sceptical.
