The Council examined progress with a proposal that would allow Member States to ban or restrict the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their territory.
Member States are still examining the draft act that would give EU countries the possibility to ban or restrict the cultivation of one or several GMOs in all or part of their territory. In view of the doubts about the conformity of national GMO bans adopted under the proposed legislation with the internal market and WTO rules, some delegations consider that further reflection and analyses are needed.
In light of the discussions in the Council meetings and in the Ad hoc Working Party and taking into consideration the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety of the European Parliament, the Presidency prepared a compromise proposal.
In the course of the discussions the Presidency was keen on encouraging an exchange of views on possible overlaps and/or inconsistencies of the environmental considerations that could be used as grounds. The Presidency was also aiming at clarifying the question of likeness with regard to the national treatment obligation imposed by Article III.4 GATT.
Discussions identified the following main issues and concerns of delegations:
At its meeting on 25 May 2011 Coreper considered the Presidency's new compromise proposal a good basis for further work within the Council. Discussions showed that although a large number of delegations supported the Presidency's compromise text, it was felt nevertheless that, at this stage, more time was needed to address questions and concerns by several delegations.
It was pointed out by several that the position of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety of the European Parliament was not far from the Presidency’s suggestions; therefore a unique momentum was provided to reach a compromise which was also supported by the European Commission.