EU Law Allowing Members to Ban GM Crop Cultivation Ready to Take Effect in 2015

摘要

Legislation that would allow EU members states to ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops for reasons other than sound science could take effect during the first quarter of 2015 following a Dec. 4 agreement between the Council of Ministers and European Parliament, but it is expected to be challenged in the European Court of Justice and at the World Trade Organization. Meanwhile, follow-up approval of GM crops for import-including various soybean and corn plants that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) granted-will remain blocked until the new EU executive body reviews approval rules in 2015. Both the EU legislation-which member states and the parliament are expected to approve in the coming month-could complicate trade negotiations between the EU and U.S. on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). U.S. trade officials are concerned that the legislation would set an illegal precedent and fear it would further restrict U.S. corn, soybean and other exports to the EU and further increase the U.S.'s agriculture trade deficit with the 28 member states.