On Tuesday 3 October, in the name of protecting public health and biodiversity and respecting the EU’s international commitments, the European Parliament vetoed two European Commission plans to authorise the placing of pesticide-tolerant genetically modified maize imported for food purposes on the EU market.
The objection to the authorisation of Bayer CropScience’s hybrid maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MIR162 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and nine sub-combinations was adopted by 418 votes to 184, with 13 abstentions, as recommended by the Committee on the Environment (ENVI) (see EUROPE 13225/7).
With 412 votes in favour, 175 against and 28 abstentions, they also objected to the renewal of the authorisation for Syngenta’s MIR162 maize.
In addition to shortcomings in the risk assessment carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), MEPs criticise the European Commission for continuing to authorise the import of GMOs into the EU, despite Parliament’s constant objections and the negative vote of a majority of Member States.
A qualified majority is required to approve or reject a Commission proposal. In the absence of a qualified majority, Member States are deemed not to have an opinion, as happened in these two cases.
An objection is not legally binding, which allows the Commission to move forward on the basis of EFSA’s favourable opinions. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)