USDA/FAS GAIN Report Number: E36080

Report Highlights

Since 1998, the EU has approved seven biotech events in the face of considerable member state (MS) resistance. About 30 events are in the pipeline still waiting approval. Currently, marketing bans on EU-approved biotech events are in effect in 6 MSs. The debate on biotechnology in the EU is highly politicized. Few of the contentious issues now confronting the EU are related to human health and environmental safety. Over the last 7 years the EU has implemented a comprehensive regulatory system to guarantee that biotech products are fully evaluated to ensure their safety. The Commission's recent changes to how the European Food Safety Authority conducts risk assessments could further slow the approval process.

Full report: http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200605/146187745.pdf