The current proposal for renationalising GM crop approvals in the EU would open the floodgates to GMOs and give biotech companies the final say about national bans.

EU governments giving biotech companies final say about national bans
Stop the Crop, April 2014
http://www.stopthecrop.org/

Europe’s environment ministers are working on a new law about the national ban for GM crops. The movement for a GM free Europe has demanded better rights for regional or national bans for many years. But the current proposal discussed amongst national governments would open the floodgates for GM crops.

First, the proposal gives biotech companies the power to decide whether a national ban is permitted or not. If it decides it is not, the member state that wants to ban a crop has to come up with specific arguments. It is not sure whether those arguments will hold in court.

Second, if this proposal on national bans is agreed, it could give a signal to the European Commission to allow more GM crops to be grown. Whilst a number of countries would indeed ban the GM crops, others will not. The area grown with GM crops in Europe would increase. For the first time we would see herbicide-tolerant GM crops on the field.

Without extra measures, this will endanger our ability to maintain GM-free seeds, food and feed as contamination spreads across boundaries. Mandatory anti-contamination measures are therefore essential, backed up with strict and clear liability.

This proposal is unacceptable. The option in the proposal that gives biotech companies a role in decision of governments to restrict the cultivation of a GM crops should be deleted. Governments should insist with the Commission that GM crops like Pioneer's 1507 maize are not wanted.

See here for the last draft proposal:
http://www.stopthecrop.org/sites/default/files/optout_25_march_version_0.pdf

Stop the Crop

What happened previously:

In February, a record 19 countries declared to be against the Pioneer 1507 GM maize. Only 5 were in favour, and the rest abstained. Nevertheless Commissioner Borg said the Commission is bound to authorise the maize since even these 19 countries did not represent the qualified majority needed.    

To be continued!