Amendments tabled to a European Parliament motion on genetically modified maize NK603 × T25 would explicitly link farmers' protests to demands for standard convergence in free trade agreements. The amendments, proposed by MEPs Laurence Trochu, Marion Maréchal, Nicolas Bay, and Guillaume Peltier on behalf of the ECR Group, add references to the 2023–2025 farmers' demonstrations and call on the European Commission to ensure that trade partners meet EU safety standards for agri-food imports.
The first amendment inserts into Recital Q a reference to farmers' demands during the 2023, 2024, and 2025 demonstrations, which included "the convergence of standards between the Union and its partners in free trade agreements," alongside fairer trade relations and environmental goals. The second amendment adds a new Paragraph 6a calling on the Commission to ensure such convergence in free trade negotiations, so that partner standards align with EU safety requirements.
The amendments are part of a broader motion opposing the authorisation of genetically modified maize NK603 × T25, which is resistant to certain herbicides. The motion, under examination in the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, has not yet been voted on in plenary. If adopted, it would strengthen the Parliament's position against the Commission's proposal to authorise the maize for import and processing.
The proposed changes reflect a cleavage between trade liberalisation and regulatory protectionism, with the ECR Group pushing for stricter alignment of import standards with EU rules. This would benefit EU farmers by levelling the playing field but could strain trade relations with exporting countries like the United States, which may view such demands as non-tariff barriers. EU consumers would gain from maintained safety standards, while EU agri-food importers could face higher costs or reduced supply.
The amendments are scheduled for a plenary vote in the coming weeks. If the Parliament adopts the motion, it will trigger a procedure under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, potentially blocking the Commission's authorisation unless the Council overrules the Parliament.