EC acts against French GM moratorium
07 October 1998
EC acts against French GM moratorium
By Philip Clarke, Europe editor
THE European Commission has launched infringement procedures against France for dragging its feet on the licensing of genetically modified (GM) crops.
Brussels is trying to enforce its approval of two oilseed rape varieties which is blocked in France by the two year long French moratorium of GM crops.
Ironically, it was the French who originally sponsored the varieties at the centre of the wrangle.
European officials have also criticised the French for failing to process fresh applications for GM licences.
Meanwhile, European environment ministers are examining proposals that would speed up the release of GM crops into the environment.
France, backed to some extent by the UK, urged ministers to consider the ethical and political issues, as well as the pure science, of releasing GM crops.