A note published by the EU Council on 2 June 2026 outlines progress on a proposed regulation for plants produced using new genomic techniques (NGTs), aiming to establish a distinct legal framework separate from existing GMO rules. The document signals the Council's intention to foster innovation in sustainable agriculture while ensuring safety and transparency for consumers and the environment.
The note, prepared by the Council's preparatory bodies, addresses a proposed Regulation on NGT plants and their food and feed, which would also amend Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls. The initiative falls under EU policy areas of agriculture, food safety, and environment. The document type is a note, indicating ongoing technical discussions rather than a final legislative text. It outlines policy orientations but does not yet contain concrete numerical targets, focusing instead on broad principles.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The proposed framework distinguishes between NGT plants that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding (Category 1) and those with more extensive modifications (Category 2). Category 1 plants would be exempt from GMO legislation requirements, while Category 2 would remain subject to risk assessment and labeling. This approach balances innovation and competitiveness for plant breeders and farmers against consumer protection and environmental safety. The Council is considering mandatory labeling for all NGT products to ensure transparency, which industry groups argue could stigmatize the technology and increase costs.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU plant breeders and seed companies: The new rules could reduce regulatory burdens for Category 1 NGTs, accelerating market access and fostering innovation. However, Category 2 NGTs still face significant compliance costs, potentially limiting investment.
- EU farmers: Access to NGT crops with improved traits (e.g., drought resistance) could enhance productivity and sustainability. But labeling requirements may affect consumer acceptance and marketability.
- EU consumers: Mandatory labeling provides choice and transparency, but could lead to higher prices if producers pass on compliance costs.
- Environmental NGOs: They express concerns that Category 1 exemptions may weaken safety oversight, potentially leading to unintended ecological impacts. They advocate for robust risk assessment for all NGTs.
Institutional follow-up
The Council's note will feed into ongoing trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament, which adopted its position in February 2024. The Parliament has pushed for stricter traceability and labeling requirements, diverging from the Council's more industry-friendly approach. The European Commission, which proposed the regulation in July 2023, aims for adoption before the end of 2026. The next step is a political agreement in the Council, expected later this year.