Parliament calls on Commission to propose EU wide rules on coexistence
The European Parliament has adopted a report calling for rules to be established at Community level on the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) crops with ordinary crops 'without delay'. MEPs feel that EU laws on coexistence are necessary, despite the Commission suggesting that the issue should be the responsibility of Member States under the principle of subsidiarity. MEPs are also calling for the rules to be drawn up under the codecision procedure, thus giving the Parliament a say in the final outcome. Other recommendations contained within the contentious report include the drafting of a proposal by the Commission on 'Community wide civil liability and insurance in respect of possible financial damage in connection with coexistence.' Such a proposal should make GM producers liable for any contamination of organic and conventional crops, says the report. In adopting the report on 18 December, MEPs also argued that Member States should be free to restrict GM cultivation in certain geographical areas if they wish.