MEPs criticised the Commission for continuing to authorise GMOs, in spite of lack of support from member states and objections from the Parliament

On 14 November, the European Parliament voted against plans by the European Commission to authorise import of products containing four glyphosate- and glufosinate ammonium-tolerant GMOs.

MEPs called on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decisions on products with four types of genetically modified organisms - soybean, cotton and maize - in four separate non-binding resolutions.

These GMOs are tolerant to glyphosate-based and glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides. MEPs say that a number of studies show that such GM crops result in a higher use of weedkillers. The crop may be exposed to repeated doses of weedkiller, potentially leading to a higher quantity of residue in the harvest, they say.

In resolutions accompanying the objections, MEPs criticised the Commission for continuing to authorise GMOs, in spite of a lack of support from member states and numerous objections from the European Parliament. For many MEPs, it is unacceptable that the exception is becoming the norm.

While these votes are non-binding, meaning that they have no legal force, they put pressure on EU countries and the Commission to take a more restrictive approach to GMOs.

The four GM products are listed here.