11/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - During the Environment Council on Friday 11 June, in Luxembourg, France, supported by several countries including Spain, criticised the strategy being developed by the European Commission on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Commission intends to officially propose to member states, mid July, the possibility of banning GMO crops approved at Community level on all or part of their territory. Furthermore, it will recommend strengthening criteria set out in its 2003 recommendation for the coexistence of conventional, organic and GM crop production, in order to prevent GMOs being present in other products. French Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo said it is out of the question to exchange subsidiarity for an absolute requirement to increase expertise. France is therefore calling for complete revision of the assessment methods whether or not they result in authorisation. The sphere of competence of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) covers food safety, not environmental issues. (L.C./transl.jl)