MEPs back GMO compliance treaty
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Members of the European Parliament
(MEPs) yesterday reached an agreement on the movement of
genetically modified organisms.
Marking a crucial step towards the full implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) yesterday reached an agreement on the movement of genetically modified organisms.
The move should bring about the ratification throughout the EU Member States of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an United Nations agreement protecting biodiversity and human health across the globe through the regulation of the export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Under the rules adopted by the European Parliament, no EU country will be able to export GMOs without the formal consent of importing countries, after the exporter has provided detailed information on the shipment.
European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström commented on Wednesday: "The European Union has been a key player in the international negotiations from the very beginning, and we are now sending a clear signal that we are able to honour our commitments."
The European Union has to fulfil its international obligations and therefore must transpose into its own law order the provisions of the Biosafety Protocol. This new proposal, given the green light by MEPs this week, complements the existing Community regulatory framework, in particular for exports of GMOs, in order to align it with the provisions of the Biosafety Protocol.
Commissioner Wallström added: "This is a global issue which needs global action. The Biosafety Protocol establishes one set of basic international rules for dealing with GMOs."
Seven EU countries, including France and Spain, have already ratified the Cartagena Protocol and Parliament's vote will now oblige the remaining eight states to adapt their national laws accordingly. This is expected to lead to their eventual ratification of the protocol, which could then enter into force. Forty-nine countries have already ratified the Protocol, with just one more, the Protocol could enter into force.
GMOs are a sensitive in issue in Europe, with European consumers finding little faith in this new technology. Since 1998 a moratorium has blocked the introduction of any new GM crops into the European arena. A position hotly opposed to by the US, who two weeks ago filed a case against Europe with the World Trade Organisation.
