As genetically modified (GMO) food cultivation remains banned in most EU countries, the European Commission is now pushing to classify products developed through modern gene-editing techniques as equivalent to conventional crops. Many governments have expressed support for this proposal.
The EU has taken another major step toward loosening its strict regulations on the new generation of genetically modified crops, known as New Genomic Techniques (NGT), after a majority of member states backed a compromise proposal initiated by Poland.
EU Moves Toward a More Flexible Regulatory Framework
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Under the new approach, gene-edited plants would be categorized separately and subject to lighter oversight, unlike traditional GMOs that require rigorous safety assessments and traceability. Poland, currently holding the EU Council Presidency, organized an informal vote on February 21, marking its third attempt to reach consensus.
While some Southeast European nations still opposed the proposal, they lacked the votes to block it. Belgium’s new government officially endorsed the compromise, signaling a key shift. Although Germany and Bulgaria abstained, overall support seems strong enough to move forward.
Environmental and Farmer Concerns
Environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth Europe have criticized the move, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over environmental and consumer protection. They also opposed allowing gene-edited plants with up to 20 DNA point mutations to be treated as traditional crops.
A coalition of 30 NGOs sent a letter to EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, stating that there is “no scientific basis for this arbitrary threshold.”
Next Steps for EU GMO Policy
According to Polish diplomats, the overall government response has been “positive,” paving the way for a formal vote in Brussels next month. If approved, EU agriculture ministers could adopt a joint position by April or May 2025, before negotiations with the European Parliament begin.
Technological Context: From GMO to CRISPR
While first-generation GMOs involved cross-species gene transfer, modern gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9—which won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—allow scientists to precisely modify an organism’s genome. The technology can even integrate with AI-driven bioengineering, enabling programmable biological traits, though it remains highly controversial.
Currently, Spain is the only EU country with large-scale GMO cultivation, while most member states continue to ban transgenic crops.
Implications for Vietnamese Exporters
For Vietnamese agricultural exporters, EU’s shift may bring both opportunities and challenges:
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Opportunities: Simplified EU rules could ease access for food products using gene-edited ingredients and open cooperation in high-tech agriculture and raw material supply chains.
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Challenges: Businesses must stay updated on labeling, traceability, and consumer acceptance to ensure compliance with evolving EU import regulations.
This development signals a new phase in the EU’s agri-tech landscape—one that Vietnam’s exporters should monitor closely to stay competitive in the European market.