Press

EU Commission's genetic engineering plans postponed: Breathing space for "Ohne Gentechnik" and organic farming

06/26/2024 - The attempt by the Belgian EU Council Presidency to take the genetic engineering deregulation plans a decisive step further at the last minute by reaching an agreement between the Member States has failed. The topic was removed from the agenda at short notice on 26 June 2024 in Brussels.

"We are very happy about this good news one week after our seal's anniversary", comments Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of the German Association for Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG). "The EU Commission's deregulation plans are still far from being off the table, but at least we have a little breathing space for the "Ohne Gentechnik" (Non-GMO) and organic sectors. A decision by hook or by crook at the last minute would not have done the matter justice. It is only sensible to continue the debate thoroughly after the summer break and at least partially reopen it. The concerns of "Ohne Gentechnik" and organic in terms of labelling, traceability and coexistence must definitely be taken into account. As must the unresolved issues of patents and risks to the environment and health."

Shortly before the end of its term of office, the Belgian EU Council Presidency had attempted to reach the pending agreement on the EU Commission's genetic engineering plans in the Agriculture Council with a modified proposal. The topic was on the agenda of the responsible body in Brussels for 26 June 2024, but was cancelled at the last minute.

On 1 July, Hungary, which is traditionally critical of genetic engineering, takes over the EU Council Presidency. The topic is therefore likely to be tabled again after the summer break under slightly different auspices, with greater consideration of the numerous critical points.

15 years of "Ohne GenTechnik": Entrepreneurs appeal to politics for freedom of choice

n-tv: EU plans to dilute regulations on the use of genetic engineering shelved for the time being (in German)

Euractiv: EU split on deregulating gene-edited food as Council deadlock persists

Yahoo: Genetic engineering: EU plans to dilute regulations on genetic engineering shelved for now (in German)

Table Media: New genetic engineering: What chances the Belgians' latest attempt at agreement has