GMOs

Toxic substances

Glyphosate warnings played down by EFSA; Commission must apply precautionary principle

The European Food Safety Authority today issued its re-evaluation of the controversial substance glyphosate, which is used as a herbicide, ahead of a decision by the European Commission next year on whether to reapprove glyphosate for use in the EU.  The EFSA opinion, which recommends reapprova...

Greens/EFA Round up

Debriefing of the Strasbourg plenary week 26-29 October 2015

Greens/EFA priorities for the Brussels plenary included EP tax investigation; preventing the trade in torture products; strengthening the European citizens' initiative; refugee crisis and EU governments' response; Diesel gate and the EU car pollution rules; A real end to roaming and protection of net neutrality; Commission work programme and better regulation; Gender equality at the European Court of Justice; Reforming GMO food and feed authorisations in Europe; EU air pollution rules; Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought.

GMO authorisation

EU Parliament rejects flawed GMO food and feed opt-outs proposal

The European Parliament today voted to reject a proposal by the European Commission for a new scheme under which EU member states could opt out of EU authorisations for genetically-modified food and feed (1). After the vote, Green food safety spokesperson Bart Staes said: “The European Parliament...

Use of genetically modified food and feed

Plenary speech by Bart Staes

Novel foods

Plenary speech by Bart Staes

Novel Foods

Greens won't mess with citizens' health and freedom of choice

Novel food is defined as food that has not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU prior to 1997, when the first Regulation on novel food came into force. For the Greens/EFA, this weak definition should be improved.

GMO authorisation

Syngenta GMO scandal underlines need to overhaul EU authorisation system

According to revelations published today, 6 genetically modified maize varieties that have been authorised for import into the EU carry genetic modifications that were not included in the assessment when the crops were authorised (1). The additional GM traits were only notified to the European Food ...

GMO authorisations

MEPs vote to send Commission back to drawing board on GMO food and feed opt-outs proposal

The European Parliament's environment committee today voted to reject a proposal by the European Commission for a new scheme under which EU member states could opt out of EU authorisations for genetically-modified food and feed (1). After the vote, Green food safety spokesperson Bart Staes said: â€...

GMO authorisation

Majority of EU member states opt to ban GMO cultivation; Commission must give full support

Tomorrow is the deadline for EU member states to opt-out of EU authorisations for the cultivation of genetically-modified organisms under new EU rules. Ahead of the deadline, the Commission has confirmed that 15 of 28 member states have indicated they will opt-out and more are expected to do so befo...

For a GMO-free Europe

Information campaign website

GMOs represent a global threat to environment, health, biodiversity and long-term food security. European citizens have a right to a GMO-free environment and food.

Sounds from Science

National Expert Views on GMO Risk Assessment

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) present many risks and uncertainties. However, well-founded scientific comments from national authorities are often neglected during the risk assessment carried out by the European Food Safety Authority. A close look at unresolved scientific questions is a necessary first step in order to achieve a more democratic and responsible way of dealing with risk technologies.

TTIP

Beware what lies beneath

The European Greens do not believe that TTIP represents the kind of transatlantic relationship we need. As it currently stands, TTIP threatens our democracy and risks undermining our hard-won regulation and standards in a host of sectors.