Francisco Guerreiro wants to know risk assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms

Lisbon, 26 June 2020 - MEP Francisco Guerreiro (Greens/EFA) joined other MEPs to question the European Commissioner for Trade on risk assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).

According to media reports, the European Commission is still negotiating with the United States of America (USA), despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and would like to “intensify” the regulatory cooperation work. 

However, this group of MEPs is concerned because independent studies have shown over the years that European Union (EU) risk assessments have failed to sufficiently deal with the risks that GMOs pose to public health and the environment as required by Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003. 

The MEPs consider that “a shortened time frame for the approval process is not appropriate if the complex risks of genetically engineered plants have to be assessed in detail”. 

Thus, they ask if it is true that genetic engineering is part of EU-US trade negotiations and ask Commissioner Hogan to specify the content and the format of the dialogues held with the USA on biotechnology policies, with a view to exchange information and foster cooperation. 

See the full question below:

After becoming aware that the EU might be about to speed up the approval process for genetically engineered organisms imported into the EU as part of a trade agreement with the United States, we are writing to you with concerns. Over the years independent studies have shown that EU risk assessments have failed to sufficiently deal with the risks that GMOs pose to public health and the environment as required by Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003. Considering the above, a shortened time frame for the approval process is not appropriate if the complex risks of genetically engineered plants have to be assessed in detail. 

Is it true that genetic engineering is part of EU-US trade negotiations? On basis of which mandate are these negotiations carried out?

You stated that the EU and the US are engaged in regular dialogues on biotechnology policies  with a view to exchange information and foster cooperation. Could you specify what meetings you already had or will have in this regard, the format of these meetings and their content?

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