EU moves closer to gene-edited food law

Genetically edited foods could soon appear on European supermarket shelves for the first time - if EU negotiators can overcome a long-standing deadlock over biotechnology rules, reports the European Commission. Euractiv.

New gene-editing tools - most notably the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR-Cas9 - allow targeted changes to the genome of crops, increasing their resistance to disease and extreme weather conditions. For now, these techniques fall under strict and burdensome regulatory frameworks. EU GMO regime.

After months of talks, Parliament and the Council are moving towards an agreement on the European Commission's proposal to loosen the rules for a category of genetically edited plants considered equivalent to conventionally grown crops.

Erasing the red lines

Some of Parliament's previously considered tough demands are likely to be dropped in the upcoming debate. Among them is a ban on patents, designed to stop the privatization of genetically modified seeds and protect farmers' right to use them freely. Another likely casualty of the change in course, according to several parliamentary staff, is the EP's insistence on labels identifying NGT products and strict traceability rules - a system to distinguish genetically modified plants from conventionally grown varieties.

Lead negotiator Jessica Polfjärd, a Swedish MEP from the centre-right EPP, is expected to abandon most of Parliament's previous red lines. However, not everyone agrees with the changes.

"Polfjärd has essentially given up. We are getting closer and closer to the Council's position. It says that patents are not really a problem, that they promote innovation," said Green shadow rapporteur Martin Häusling (DE), who is strongly opposed to the Commission's proposal.

On patents and traceability, the Socialist negotiator, Frenchman Christophe Clergeau, has been the most adamant. His strong stance even led the Danish presidency to consider emergency legislative action after making little progress on patents.

But the Socialists themselves are not united. Spanish members have long supported the technology and are likely to support a compromise. Others - including the French and German members who opposed deregulation in the 2024 parliamentary vote - may reject it.

The right is equally divided. The EPP cannot count on an outright majority like last year - Polish, Bulgarian and Romanian EPP MEPs opposed the file then and are expected to do so again. Party for Europe members are expected to largely support the deal - with the exception of GMO-sceptical Hungarians and Austrians. The ECR is also divided, with Poland against and Italy in favour.

Parliament's initial position was adopted by only 307 votes in favour and 263 against, with 41 abstentions - a reminder of how deep the divisions are.

The innovation-oriented Danish presidency is determined to reach an agreement before the end of its mandate, hoping to conclude negotiations before midnight today, December 3.