Policy debate on genetically modified organisms: Environment Council, 9 March

Brussels, 9 March 2006

13th Council Meeting - Environment. Brussels, 9 March 2006
Provisional version

The Council held a policy debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), allowing discussions, which started in December 2006, to continue in a more in-depth manner regarding European perspectives on the future use of GMOs.

The orientation debate focused in particular on issues relating with risk management and authorisation procedures.

The delegations were in favour of greater transparency of the procedures as well as of a more complete and adequate information for the consumers.

Reference was also made to the need for coordination between all bodies concerned in particular between the Commission, the European Food Safety Authority and the competent national organisations. Scientific research should be intensified in this context so as GMO evaluation may take in greater consideration of possible long-term consequences of the use of those products.

Delegations welcomed the organisation in April of two conferences on coexistence between organic, traditional and genetically modified cultures and on the applicability of the precautionary principle in this field. They expect that the two conferences as well as the assessments reports concerning the application of the new Community legislation announced by the Commission might be the basis to continue the current debate on the next session of the (Environment) Council in June.