Law

The European Commission wants its “biotech revolution”

In March 2024, the European Commission announced measures aimed at driving what it called a “biotechnology revolution”, including a proposal for a “law” in 2025. This announcement came at a time when a number of legislative dossiers relating to biotechnology had already reached an impasse, such as the deregulation of plant GMOs. As Denmark, a fervent supporter of biotechnology, prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from July 2025, is the Commission planning to bring everything together in a general “biotech law” to complicate political debates and force the issue through? The European Parliament has just taken up the issue on its own initiative.

The European Commission’s legal initiatives on the Living

In less than a year and a half, from May 3, 2022 to October 12, 2023, the previous European Commission has launched a number of legislative initiatives concerning the Living. The deregulation of GMOs, the digitization of living organisms and even patents are just some of the issues on the table of member states and the European Parliament. If adopted, these projects will make it easier for companies with substantial financial, human and technical resources to take ownership of the Living. These initiatives do echo current international negotiations.

Deregulation of GMOs/NGTs: Unanimity is not on the agenda

GMOs/NGTs: consumers want a choice

EU: vitamins and additives produced by GMOs

The European Commission wants to put an end to GMOs

GMO micro-organisms: discreet production factories

Patents on genetic sequences: excess and fragility

France – An advisory body leaves the door open to GMO deregulation

Canada – New GMOs: Missed opportunity for transparency

EFSA: independence and transparency to be improved

GMO : a change of plan from the European Commission ?