MEP Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D) has asked the European Commission to ensure that the forthcoming Biotech Act II does not focus solely on industrial biotechnology but fully integrates agricultural biotechnology, including plant and microbial innovations. In a parliamentary question dated 8 June 2026, Andriukaitis argued that agriculture is the foundational input for a resilient and competitive European bioeconomy, and that the proposal must go beyond a narrow scope to capture the full potential of biotech in farming. The question also calls for a comprehensive assessment of the horizontal biotechnology framework—specifically Directives 2001/18/EC and 2009/41/EC, and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003—to identify and address regulatory bottlenecks that hinder science-based market access. Additionally, Andriukaitis urges the Commission to commit to improving societal dialogue about these technologies and their benefits to strengthen public trust.
The question, which is a formal parliamentary instrument, seeks concrete commitments from the Commission on three fronts: scope, regulatory review, and public engagement. Andriukaitis does not propose specific numerical targets or deadlines but pushes for a strategic shift in the Commission's approach. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it intends to broaden the Biotech Act II's scope beyond industrial applications. The outcome could have significant implications for EU farmers, biotech companies, and consumers, as well as for environmental and health NGOs concerned about genetically modified organisms. A broader scope could open new markets for agricultural biotech innovations but may also reignite debates over GMO regulation and public acceptance.