On July 25, 2018, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that plants
developed through genome editing are also genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) which are not exempt from GMO legislation. The EU GMO legislation
issued in 2001 no longer correctly reflects the current state of scientific
research and knowledge, according to the Open Statement for the use of
genome editing for sustainable agriculture and food production in the EU,
released by the European scientific community on July 25, 2019.

In the Open Statement, scientists from 127 research facilities across Europe
urgently call upon European institutions, including the European Council,
the new European Parliament, and the upcoming European Commission to take
appropriate legal action to enable European scientists and breeders to apply
genome editing for sustainable agriculture and food.

"The ability to use genome editing is crucial for the well-fare and food
security of European citizens," the Open Statement stated. The scientists
state that subjecting crops obtained through modern genome editing to GMO
regulations will deny European consumers, producers, researchers, and
entrepreneurs important opportunities in sustainable agriculture.

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