Commissioner calls for explanation of GMO hypocrisy
A proposal for amendments to the EC's Directive on the deliberate release of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) has been in the pipeline for more than a year and a half and looks set to stay there for some time to come following the recent Environment Council meeting on 24 and 25 June. Despite the majority of the Council reaching political agreement on a common position on the proposed amendments, France, Ireland and Italy abstained, with France leading calls for a moratorium on GMO approvals. This was cause for some confusion as the Commission is currently in the process of reviewing dossiers from these countries requesting approval to release GMOs. In an attempt to clear up this contradiction in political rhetoric and action, Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard has now written to the Member States concerned to ask if they have any intentions of withdrawing their applications for approval. In her letter, Commissioner Bjerregaard requests the countries to indicate which approach they intend to adopt with respect to their pending and any future notifications. 'In particular', she says, 'I would be interested to know whether and when you intend to consult the notifiers with a view to withdrawing the notification.' There is general consensus amongst the Member States and the Commission on the need for a more transparent framework and the restoration of public and market confidence in GMOs. But the Commission does not see a general suspension of authorisations on GMOs as the way forward. Instead, it is promoting amendments to the GMOs Directive which will tighten up regulations for labelling and traceability and send power on the decision-making process for GMOs back to the Member States. France has also stated particular concern over the labelling of GMO products in the Environment Council. In response, Commissioner Bjerregaard is asking Member States to provide the Commission with full details of their positions and any changes they wish to see to the existing European directive on GMO labelling. The next formal meeting of the Environment Council is scheduled for 12 October 1999.