www.czu.cz ; www.raupp.info

The Commission has rejected concerns expressed by the Green/EFA Group in the
European Parliament that the EU's authorisation process for genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) is 'incompatible with the democratic ideals that
the Union seeks to promote.'

Under the current system, known as the comitology procedure, if the Council
fails to reach a qualified majority decision to either approve or reject a
GM authorisation request within three months, it is then left to the
Commission to take a decision.

As in the most recent authorisation cases, concerning two different
varieties of GM maize, the Commission's decision draws heavily on scientific
assessments carried out by the European Food Safety Authority. In both these
cases EFSA concluded that the GM maize varieties were as safe as
conventional sweetcorn, and the Commission duly approved the authorisations.

According to the Green/EFA Group, the fourth largest political grouping in
the newly elected parliament, only nine out of 25 EU Member States are in
favour of granting marketing licences for new GMOs, and more than 70 per
cent of Europe's citizens are opposed to GM food.

In letters sent to the new President designate of the Commission, José
Barroso, and President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, the Greens
argue that: '[T]he Commission has lifted Europe's moratorium on GMOs and has
so far approved each new request to market GMOs in the EU that it has
received.'

'The fact that the Commission can make such decisions in the absence of
Council agreement and without the backing of the Parliament is incompatible
with the democratic ideals promoted by the Union,' the letters continue.

However, a spokesperson for Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner
David Byrne rejected the argument that the comitology procedure is
undemocratic, and told CORDIS News: 'This is not the first time we've heard
that argument - it's not true, simple as that. The legislative process being
used is set out in the Treaty, and was adopted by Parliament and Council in
full awareness of the consequences.'

In their letter to Mr Barroso, the Greens 'plead strongly' with him to
revise the comitology procedures in order to make them more democratic,
including a significant political role for the European Parliament. However,
Mr Byrne's spokesperson said: 'You cannot have every technical decision
going through a two year codecision procedure. The decision making process
would grind to a halt.'

For further information, please consult the following web address:
[europa.eu.int]

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