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01.12.2005 | permalink

EU Environment ministers fail to agree on GMO approval and debate next steps

EU environment ministers failed to agree on another GMO approval at their meeting on 2 December in Brussels. 14 countries voted against licensing the import of Monsantos Mon 863 x Mon 810 hybrid, missing however the required qualified majority for rejecting the Commissions proposal to approve the GMO. 8 countries voted in favour and 3 abstained. Ministers also discussed the next steps on the Communities general policy on GMO approvals. Pro GM Commissioners and EU governments seem to put their hope on a pending WTO ruling against the EU, expected in January 2006.
Bloomberg: EU Ministers Fail to Agree on Monsanto Modified Corn
Reuters: EU Eyes WTO Case to Drive Policy Forward on GMOs
EurActive: Loophole clears way for GM maize approval
EU Press Release
Greenpeace briefing on key issues on the Ministers agenda