Renew Europe MEP Asger Christensen has called on the European Commission to streamline the EU's authorisation procedures for genetically modified (GM) crop imports, arguing that current rules create unnecessary duplication and administrative burden for both regulators and applicants. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 13 April 2026, Christensen specifically targets the assessment of so-called 'stacks' – crops combining multiple genetically modified traits through conventional breeding – which he says are often re-evaluated from scratch even when individual traits have already been approved.
Christensen's question, filed under reference E-001492/2026, asks the Commission to ensure that EU agencies – particularly the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – contribute tangibly to the EU's simplification agenda by reducing overlapping assessment requirements. He proposes a more streamlined, science-based approach where existing data and previous authorisations are reused more widely, without compromising safety. The MEP also inquires whether the Commission plans to give agencies a specific mandate to identify and implement 'quick wins' for simplifying import authorisation procedures.
The question reflects a push by some MEPs to reduce regulatory burdens on the agri-food sector, balancing safety with competitiveness. The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal its stance on reforming GMO import rules – a politically sensitive area where environmental and consumer groups often oppose faster approvals. If the Commission embraces Christensen's proposals, it could lead to faster market access for GM crop imports, benefiting EU livestock farmers and feed importers who rely on GM soy and maize, but potentially raising concerns among anti-GMO campaigners and some member states about risk assessment standards.
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