23/06/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 23 June, the European Parliament vetoed the market authorisation for genetically modified maize varieties on the grounds of public health and environmental protection. MEPs opposed the European Commission’s implementing act concerning the hybrid maize NK603 × T25 × DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combination T25 × DAS-40278-9, and the maize DP4114 x MON 8603 (see EUROPE 12973/35). The objections apply both to the GMOs themselves and products containing them. In addition to gaps in the scientific assessment, MEPs also point to a democratic deficit in the authorisation procedure. The Commission relied on favourable scientific opinions from EFSA. EU Member States were unable to achieve the qualified majority required to approve or reject the authorisation proposals. Parliament’s objections are not legally binding. (AN)