The European Commission has formally endorsed the Council's position on a regulation governing plants obtained by new genomic techniques (NGTs), marking a step toward final adoption of the landmark rules. The Commission's communication, published on 23 April 2026, confirms the agreement reached among EU member states on categorising NGT plants based on their equivalence to conventionally bred plants and imposing restrictions on certain genetic traits, while also addressing sustainability, organic production, and intellectual property rights.
The document, issued by the Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) under reference COM(2026)151, is a formal step under Article 294(6) TFEU, whereby the Commission communicates its position on the Council's first-reading stance. The regulation aims to promote innovation in the agri-food sector by enabling the market introduction of NGT-derived plants, while ensuring safety for human and animal health and the environment.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The Council's position introduces a two-tier system: NGT plants deemed equivalent to conventional plants (NGT-1) would be exempt from the strict requirements of the GMO directive, while those with more extensive modifications (NGT-2) would remain subject to full GMO rules. The agreement also includes restrictions on certain genetic traits, such as those conferring herbicide tolerance, to address environmental concerns. The Commission will oversee implementation, evaluation, and necessary adjustments, particularly regarding patent-related issues, without altering existing patent laws.
The regulation strikes a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining precautionary oversight. Proponents argue it will accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops and reduce pesticide use, benefiting farmers and the environment. Critics, however, warn that the exemption for NGT-1 plants could undermine consumer trust and the organic sector, as traceability and labelling requirements are limited.
Impact on stakeholders - EU producers and breeders: NGT-1 plants can be brought to market faster and with lower regulatory costs, boosting competitiveness. However, patent restrictions may limit access for smaller breeders. - EU consumers: Potential access to more sustainable and nutritious food, but limited labelling may reduce choice for those wishing to avoid NGT products. - Organic sector: Concerns about contamination from NGT-1 crops and the lack of mandatory labelling could threaten organic certification and market integrity. - National authorities: Responsible for enforcement and monitoring, with additional burden to verify NGT-1 equivalence claims.
Institutional follow-up The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Council's position in the coming months. If approved, the regulation will be adopted and enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. The Commission will then develop implementing acts on equivalence criteria and monitoring requirements.
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