On Monday, the agriculture ministers of the 27 EU countries will meet in Brussels to discuss a proposal from the temporary EU chairman Hungary on the use of new genetic breeding techniques (NGTs) in agriculture.
This proposal, which aims to temporarily ban these techniques, goes against the findings of the European food authority EFSA, which sees no objections to their use. EFSA states that NGTs, such as CRISPR-Cas, are safe and pose no greater risks than traditional breeding techniques.
However, Hungary's proposal is controversial. Several EU member states, including the Netherlands, are calling for a relaxation of the current strict rules regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They emphasize the benefits of NGTs, such as developing crops more quickly and efficiently that are more resistant to diseases and climate change.
However, opponents, including Poland and Hungary, remain concerned about the ethical and health effects of genetic modification.
The Hungarian presidency itself is also the subject of controversy. Hungary is criticized within the EU over concerns about the rule of law and democratic values in the country. These criticisms cast a shadow over their temporary leadership within the EU.
In addition, European government leaders are currently discussing the composition of a new European Commission. These changes could lead to changes in the current agricultural policy of the EU. It is therefore expected that no major decisions will be taken in the coming months regarding the regulation of NGTs.
Divisions among EU member states and uncertainty about future policymaking complicate the path to a unified position on NGTs. While some countries push for innovation and progress, others remain cautious out of precaution and ethical considerations. The debate about the future of genetic breeding in European agriculture will undoubtedly continue to take place.