Environment MEPs Oppose New GM Maize Authorization

22 Mar 2017 --- Environment MEPs opposed the European Commission plans to authorize an herbicide and pest resistant genetically modified (GM) maize on Tuesday (21 Mar), in a non-binding resolution. MEPs highlight the lack of data on the many sub-combinations of the variety - all of which would also be authorized - and reiterate their call for a reform of the EU’s GMO authorization procedure.

The non-binding resolution was tabled by Bart Staes (Greens/EFA, BE), Guillaume Balas (S&D, FR), Lynn Boylan (GUE/NGL, IE), Eleonora Evi (EFDD, IT) and Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, FI).

The draft implementing decision by the European Commission would authorise GM maize Bt11 × 59122 × MIR604 × 1507 × GA21, and all 20 of the sub-combinations of its events.  

MEPs highlight that hundreds of critical comments have been submitted by Member States during the three-month consultation period, pointing to, inter alia, missing information and poorly performed studies and tests. 

A favourable opinion was however given by the European Food Safety Authority on the 26th of August 2016. MEPs note that a minority opinion was voiced within the EFSA GMO panel, which states that no specific data regarding any of the 20 sub-combinations have been provided by the applicant. 

Who authorizes?
MEPs also point out that GMOs keep being authorized in the EU by the Commission, without the support of opinions of member state committees. This was supposed to be an exception to the usual decision-taking procedure, but has in fact become the norm.

On 27 January 2017, only 10 Member States, representing only 38,43% of the Union population voted in favour, while 13 Member States voted against, and four Member States abstained.

Next steps
The resolution was adopted with 33 votes to 22 and 3 abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during the 3/6 April session in Strasbourg.