Lieber Herr Behringer,
Kommissar Dallis Worte:
"Let me turn now to Genetically Modified Organisms. Much of what I have said about pesticides applies here too.
The most effective way to take advantage of the potential of GM technology is to follow an approach based on
responsible innovation, safety assessments and taking into account other legitimate factors.
The authorisation of the GM potato and the wide reactions it sparked all around Europe indicate that GMOs – and
particularly GMOs for cultivation – remain a highly sensitive issue.
But there is a great deal that you, the industry, can do to ease the debate in the EU, with a view to improving the
image of GM technology.
I expect you, the industry to discuss with us, the Commission, a long-term viable, coherent and responsible
approach to GMOs.
In particular, I see four areas where I expect your full co-operation in the coming years:
First, the complete phase-out of antibiotic resistant marker genes. I know that biotech companies are already
committed to achieving this. A clear unambiguous line of communication in this respect is crucial.
Second, I would like to stress the importance of monitoring in order to ensure that the possible effects on health
and the environment and changes of GM crops are fully catalogued and understood. This will provide proper
feedback to our scientists so that they are able to perfect their assessments. In this context I also expect a fully
transparent approach to each individual dossier. This means:
*
immediate submission of any relevant information (positive and negative) to the Commission or to EFSA without
hiding any information; and
*
limitation of confidentiality status to information which has genuine commercial value.
A third crucial element must be improving the focus on a "holistic approach" of GM products for European citizens.
The risk assessment will certainly remain the starting point of our authorisation procedure, but I want the potential
advantages and disadvantages for society to be fully considered and explored at the initial stages.
Biotech companies should view this as an opportunity to improve their communication on the quality of their
products and the potential of the technology, as well as to facilitate an understanding by the whole of society of all
the implications of GMOs.
Finally, there is the implementation of President Barroso's political guidelines on the cultivation of GMOs.
I fully agree with the President that the best way to avoid deadlock in the authorisation of GMOs for cultivation is to
combine a science-based European authorisation system with the freedom for Member States to decide whether or
not they want to grow GMOs on their territory.
The implementation of this approach is a priority for me and I am committed to proposing a way forward. My
services are already working on a range of options.
I expect the industry, as well as all other stakeholders, to be part of this debate. And being part of this discussion
means that the industry must accept, both politically and legally, this approach as the basis of future Commission
policy on the authorisation of GM crops for cultivation.
I started my mandate showing that the Commission will not cower from its responsibilities and that it can deliver on
innovation.
I have every intention to promote a balanced approach, that will give the European citizen peace of mind and that
will enable biotech companies to push the innovation drive."
(Quelle:
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/35214)
Lesen Sie sich das mal genau durch und eruieren dann die Absicht der EU hinsichtlich GVO.