Over 20 EU business associations call for innovation-friendly rules on mutagenesis
An open letter jointly calls upon member states and the EU Commission to initiate a legislative change to ensure that targeted genetic variation in organisms can help Europe to achieve important sustainable development goals.
24 April 2019, Brussels: An open letter signed by over 20 European business organisations jointly calls upon member states and the EU Commission to initiate a legislative change that provides innovation-friendly rules, to ensure that targeted genetic variation in organisms, including crops and other organisms, can help Europe to achieve important sustainable development goals. They highlight widely shared concerns amongst numerous other stakeholders, including scientists and academics, stemming from the 25 July 2018 Court of Justice of the EU ruling on mutagenesis, which equates products developed using targeted forms of mutagenesis with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), thereby subjecting them to disproportionate regulation when compared to other parts of the world. In addition to stressing the unworkability of the CJEU’s ruling, they explain that more practical and science-based rules would foster public confidence and trust, as well as unlock great potential for innovative, bio-based solutions in sectors ranging from agriculture and food to healthcare and energy, thereby contributing to Europe’s resilience to climate change, whilst providing benefits to consumers, patients and the environment.
Read the full letter here.