On Wednesday 13 May, the European Parliament will be asked, principally on public health grounds, to oppose approval for one of Monsanto’s genetically modified soya varieties and products containing it to be placed on the EU market.
The objection, which has been drafted by Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland), Günther Sidl (S&D, Austria), Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL, Netherlands) and Eleonora Evi (Non-attached), involves hybrid soybean MON 87708 × MON 89788 x A5547-127.
In support of their objection, the MEPs cite the GMO’s tolerance to herbicides based on dicamba, glyphosate, and glufosinate-ammonium (glufosinate is classified as toxic to reproduction). They also cite shortcomings in the risk assessment completed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which issued a favourable opinion on 22 May 2019, and the fact that the Commission is exceeding its powers.
They point out that the absence of an opinion from Member States means that approval was not supported by a qualified majority of Member States.
As it generally does, Parliament is likely to support the objection and call on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision, as it has done seven times since the beginning of this parliamentary term. It is also likely that the Commission will go ahead, as an objection of this kind is not legally binding. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)