With the same causes causing the same effects, the European Parliament, not surprisingly, is massively opposed (by 448 votes or more) to the draft authorisation or renewal of authorisation to import GMO varieties resistant to glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium herbicides, be it cotton, soya or maize, into the EU.
Its objection votes, which took place on Thursday 14 November, concern both the GMOs themselves and the products containing them, namely: cotton lLCotton25 (ACS-GHØØØØ1-3), soya MON 89788 (LUN 89788-1), hybrid maize MON 89034 × 1507 × 1507 × 1507 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations, and maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × 1507 × 5307 × GA21, including its sub-combinations.
In support of their opposition, MEPs cited shortcomings in EFSA's risk assessment, the concerns of some countries, the protection of public health, the environment and biodiversity, but also a democratic deficit in the European authorisation procedure.
The Commission was based on favourable opinions from EFSA. Member States had failed to obtain the qualified majority required to approve or reject the proposals, but Parliament regrets that, as a last resort, the Commission is proposing the authorisation without the support of the qualified majority of Member States.
In doing so, the European Parliament has followed the recommendation of its Committee on the Environment, Health and Food Safety. The objection by the European Parliament is not legally binding. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)