The European Commission is trying to relax the currently strict rules against gene technologies. The Eurocommissioners want to temporarily lift the European ban on genetic manipulation for medical use, so that the development of an anti-coronavirus vaccine can be accelerated.
The pharmaceutical company with which, among others, the Netherlands signed an agreement two weeks ago, also uses genetic manipulation. Tinkering with the DNA of organisms is controversial because it is seen as 'tampering with nature,' from religious and moral-ethical as well as biological-ecological viewpoints.
A distinction is often made between genetic modifications in humans, in animals, and in nature. The European Union tries to keep this technology out, but in some other countries the technique is already applied in certain branches of agriculture and animal husbandry. The EU prohibits the import of such products.
Promotion
Commissioner Kyriakides calls on the European Parliament and ministers of EU countries to approve the proposal for relaxation as soon as possible. The EP will have to vote on the proposal within a few weeks. The intention is that the relaxations will come into effect this summer.
According to the European Commission, it is important that a vaccine for the coronavirus is developed as quickly as possible, but the strict rules on genetic manipulation stand in the way. The current regulations around genetic modification delay the development of a coronavirus vaccine too much and need to be relaxed, the European Commission believes.
Opinions on genetic manipulation are sharply divided within the EP. There are especially ethical questions about its safety. For this reason, the European Commission only speaks of a temporary relaxation. In debates about food safety, animal welfare, and public health, rejection of genetic modification repeatedly arises but is still rejected by a majority.
Various vaccines and medicines in the EU already use genetic modification, or tinkering with DNA. However, strict rules apply to the use of this technique for medicines. For example, an investigation must be conducted into the environmental risks. The European Commission proposes to temporarily waive this environmental risk analysis and give priority to ‘health’.
Next week, from 8 to 10 July, the European Parliament will meet, during which the matter will be discussed. Dutch MEP Peter Van Dalen (CU) opposes the relaxation but expects that a majority will be in favor of widening the rules.
The Dutch advisory committee that advises the government on genetic modification (COGEM) is not enthusiastic about the European Commission’s proposal. The committee calls setting aside the current strict rules "irresponsible" and "disproportionate," said a spokesman in Reformatorisch Dagblad. Vaccines based on this technique bring risks for third parties and the environment, states COGEM.