No moves yet on European GMOs rules

21 October 1996 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Proposed changes to European rules on genetically engineered micro-organisms (GMOs) are still stalled following last week's meeting of the Environment Council.

Irish minister Brendan Howlin, who currently holds the presidency of the Council, has made revising the 1990 directive on contained use of GMOs a priority. Ministers held a debate on the subject but agreement cannot now be reached until the next meeting in December.

The amendment proposals include new definitions of 'micro-organisms' and 'contained use' - in laboratories, a risk assessment approach to identifying how GMOs should be 'contained' and administrative requirements which increase relative to the level of risk.

The Council also held broad 'orientation debates' on the European Commission's new waste management strategy (ECN 23 September), drinking water quality - where pesticides limits may be changed, climate change and the 'Auto-Oil' proposals on fuel quality and car emissions limits. No decisions were taken.

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