Austria wins GM corn debate
Austria is allowed to ban two genetically modified corn varieties. At a meeting held today in Luxemburg, the proposition from the European Commission to stop the Austrian exceptional position was not backed enough by other EU ministers.
Austria is the most hesistant to use GMO crops,
compared to other EU countries. The European Commission (EC) is not happy with
this because the GM corn varieties are approved by EU food safety experts and
already used all over the EU and US.
Enough support
The Netherlands, Great Britain, Estonia and Sweden support
the commission.
According to these countries, the Austrian hesitation was based on
“emotions and not on scientific facts”, which was already stated by the
commission last December. However, Austria received support from 14 other
EU countries to keep its exceptional position in banning GM crops.
compared to other EU countries. The European Commission (EC) is not happy with
this because the GM corn varieties are approved by EU food safety experts and
already used all over the EU and US.
The EC therefore tried to push Austria to
start using GM corn.
Enough support
The Netherlands, Great Britain, Estonia and Sweden support
the commission.
According to these countries, the Austrian hesitation was based on
“emotions and not on scientific facts”, which was already stated by the
commission last December. However, Austria received support from 14 other
EU countries to keep its exceptional position in banning GM crops.
WTO conflict
Although Austria is happy with the
outcome, this move will trigger a conflict
at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Argentina, the US and Canada already
complained about the stand points from Austria. They say that Austria is
violating the international trade rules.
