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Now the European Parliament must save GMO labelling

Photo: European Union

Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of the Association Food without Genetic Engineering, comments: "It is right and important that Germany did not agree to the ill-conceived and economically and consumer-damaging abolition of mandatory GMO labelling in the EU. The German government should now throw its full political weight behind protecting the industry and consumers in order to stop the deregulation of genetic engineering despite today's majority in the trial vote in Brussels.

Now the European Parliament (EP) must save GMO labelling. It can still overturn the proposed legislation in its vote in early 2026. This is exactly what MEPs should do, as they already called for the retention of mandatory GMO labelling and the exclusion of patents on genetically modified plants in their majority position adopted in 2024 – both of which contradict the current proposal.

MEP Jessica Polfjärd (EPP), chief negotiator on NGT, should be wary of relying on the support of far-right MEPs to secure the EP's approval for deregulation. This is particularly important for her group leader Manfred Weber (CSU/EPP) from Germany, who voted against deregulation in 2024, deviating from his own group. If in doubt, Markus Söder must make it clear to him that majorities achieved with the help of the far right are never a good idea.

The fact that the German government, after much hesitation and numerous appeals from Rewe, dm and other retailers, did not approve the deregulation of genetic engineering is a welcome signal. Environment Minister Schneider and Justice Minister Hubig (both SPD) in particular have thankfully made their position very clear on this issue. It is also noteworthy that even the CSU-led Federal Ministry of Research is now taking the interests of businesses, agriculture and consumers into account in its deliberations."