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Europe votes to keep GM crops bans
Commission's position - unpopular and undemocratic


Brussels, 29th November 2004 - Europe's member states today voted against proposals to overturn the bans of genetically modified (GM) crops in five countries. The GM position of the European Commission, who tabled the vote, has been described by Friends of the Earth as "deeply unpopular and clearly undemocratic".

Results
On lifting the bans on Sygenta's Bt176 maize in German, Austria and Luxembourg
In favour: 54 votes; Against: 221 votes; Abstained: 46 votes

On lifting the ban on Bayer's T25 maize in Austria
In favour: 54 votes; Against: 221 votes; Abstained: 46 votes

On lifting the ban on Monsanto's MON810 maize in Austria
In favour: 73 votes; Against: 178 votes; Abstained: 70 votes

On lifting the ban on Bayer's oilseed rape Topas 19/2 in France and Greece
In favour: 54 votes; Against: 178 votes; Abstained: 89 votes

On lifting the ban on Bayer's oilseed rape MS1xRf1 in France
In favour: 54 votes; Against: 178 votes; Abstained: 89 votes

The votes today took place in the Regulatory Committee meeting on the deliberate release of GMOs in the environment. Each of the Commission's proposals, calling on countries to repeal their bans within 20 days, failed to get the required "qualified majority" of 232 votes out of 321. For some of the bans the Commission narrowly escaped a qualified majority against them. The proposals will now go to a Council of Ministers meeting in the new year.

The Commission's proposals are seen as a direct result of the trade dispute in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) started last year by the United States, Argentina and Canada. The three countries claim that Europe's precautionary stance on GM food, including the national bans, are a barrier to free trade and harm their farmers. The WTO has set up a 3-person panel which is currently meeting in secret to judge the case. A final verdict is expected next year.

Adrian Bebb, GMO campaigner of Friends of the Earth Europe said:

" European countries should be congratulated for not supporting these outrageous proposals. The European Commission only survived today by a handful of votes. Their position on genetically modified foods is deeply unpopular and clearly undemocratic. This should serve as wake-up call for them to start fighting for the right of countries to ban genetically modified foods instead of caving in to the pressure of the World Trade Organisation and the Bush Administration."

A full briefing from Friends of the Earth on the national bans can be found at:
http://www.foeeurope.org/biteback/download/national_bans_briefing_Oct2004.pdf

A new report published today by Friends of the Earth heavily criticises the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its constant position in favour of the biotechnology industry. The advice from EFSA is used by the European Commission to justify the approval of new GM foods and also the lifting of the national bans. A press release and the report can be found at: www.foeeurope.org/press/2004/AB_29_Nov_EFSA.htm



CONTACT
Adrian Bebb, Friends of the Earth Europe +49 1609 490 1163
Geert Ritsema, Friends of the Earth Europe +31 62 90 05 908

 

Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for sustainable and fair societies and for the protection of the environment,
unites more than 30 national organisations with thousands of local groups
and is part of the world's largest grassroots environmental network, Friends of the Earth International.