GMOs in Europe: A Status Report

The regulation of genetically modified organisms in Europe is complex, due in large part to the European Union’s extensive system of checks and balances. It is also complicated by the fact that the EU’s 27 Member States have their own power, however limited, to restrict GMOs within their borders. Additionally, there are pressures from major GM-producing countries, the World Trade Organisation, biotechnology companies and agribusinesses for the EU to allow more sales and cultivation of GM foods. The landscape, therefore, is constantly changing. Here is an overview of the current state of affairs, as of summer 2008.