Politicians for the
European Union have defeated a proposal from their executive Commission to
allow countries to opt out of the Europe-wide approvals for
genetically-modified crops.
They voted by an
overwhelming majority to defeat the proposal, saying that allowing countries to
opt out would result in a return to border controls to keep GMO produce out of
some countries.
The environment spokesman
for the assembly's biggest political group, Peter Liese, said that "we
need to avoid chaos for consumers and farmers."
He warned that "having
national bans would mean re-introducing border controls for foodstuff and
feedstuff."
The use of GMOs remains
controversial in Europe. Fifty-eight such crops have been authorized for
consumption, including maize, cotton, soybean, oilseed rape and sugar beet. A
further 58 are awaiting approval.
The lawmakers called on the
EU's executive Commission to come up with new reforms to address problems posed
by nations who oppose certain GMOs.
The Commission said it was
disappointed by the vote and that it stands by its proposal.
Environmental group
Greenpeace welcomed the decision, saying in a statement that the "plan
would have failed to provide additional protection of European citizens and the
environment from the risks posed by GM crops."
