No GMO Authorisations before Autumn 2003

On 4 March, the EU’s environment ministers were updated on the Commission’s plan to resume authorisations for new genetically modified (GM) products. This follows intense international pressure particularly from the USA. Nineteen applications are being considered. Member States remained divided over the issue, with some of them not willing to restart the authorisations until the EU Regulations on GMO food and feed, as well as on traceability and labelling will be finally adopted. The Commission informed the ministers that no authorisations are expected before the autumn of 2003. The Council also took note of a Commission Communication on the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic crops. This Communication was officially adopted by the Commission on 5 March. This is expected to lead to fierce debate between the biotechnology industry and environmental and health NGOs.

The official press release

The communication by Commissioner Fischler on the issue