EC expected to overrule French GM ban
06 October 1998
EC expected to overrule French GM ban
THE European Commission is expected to overrule a French moratorium on the introduction of a genetically modified (GM) variety of oilseed rape.
The French Government introduced the two-year ban in July on the introduction of all GM organisms other than corn.
But the European Commission is understood to believe that the French delay is unjustified.
France could then attempt circumvent the threat of legal action by exploiting a technicality. Even if the commission outlaws the moratorium, France could then request the right to ban it on health or environmental grounds
There have been several clashes between the Commission and member states over GM crops. Last month the commission ruled that bans on a genetically-modified maize by Austria and Luxembourg were unjustified.
- France orders moratorium on GM plants, FWi, 31 July, 1998
- French Parliament recommends GM seeds moratorium, FWi, 1 July, 1998
Financial Times 06/10/98 page 3 (News Digest)