On Wednesday 13 May, the European Parliament overwhelmingly opposed approval for the genetically modified herbicide-tolerant soybean MON 87708 × MON 89788 x A5547-127 in the EU in the interests of public health and sustainable development. This did not come as a surprise (see EUROPE 12484/11).
The objection was adopted by 477 votes in favour (with 181 against and 23 abstentions). The objection relates both to the GMO and to the products made from the GMO or that contain it.
MEPs justified their objection on the grounds that the GMO is tolerant to herbicides containing dicamba, glyphosate, and glufosinate-ammonium (glufosinate is classified as toxic to reproduction and has therefore not been approved in the EU). They also cite shortcomings in the risk assessment conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the undemocratic nature of the procedure.
Parliament is calling on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision.
It welcomes the statement included in the mission letter sent to all European Commissioners that promises that “each Commissioner will ensure the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their policy area” and that the college of Commissioners as a whole will be responsible for the overall implementation of the SDGs.
The European Parliament objection is not legally binding. The Commission will therefore be able to proceed with approving the products containing the GMO in question. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)