EU Warns of Bullying on GMOs Through WTO Case
Date: 01-Mar-05
Country: BELGIUM
Argentina, Canada and the United States have alleged at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that the EU broke trade rules by blocking genetically modified (GMO) food imports. A provisional verdict in the politically charged case is due on May 13.
"It (EU) has not sought to impose its approach on other countries and other countries should not be allowed to impose their approach on the EU," a European Commission official quoted EU Health and Consumer Protection Markos Kyprianou as saying.
"It would be most unhelpful if other countries were to try and do so through the WTO, at a time when countries around the world are trying to clarify the balance between risks and benefits," he told a meeting of EU agriculture ministers.
In bringing the case in August 2003, the United States and its allies argued that the then 15-nation EU had flouted trade norms by not allowing any GMO crops to be grown or imported since 1998, in what amounted to a de facto ban.
Washington says there is no scientific evidence for human health or environmental problems related to biotech products: two grounds where WTO rules allow countries to bar imports.
Since the case was filed, the EU has restarted authorising GMOs for import as finished products for use in food and feed. But there are no signs of moves towards allowing more GMO crops -- and the three complainants are continuing with the WTO case.
The EU's decision in May 2004 followed months of deadlock between member states and flew in the face of public opinion in Europe, where consumers are largely hostile to biotech foods, with opposition rated at more than 70 percent.
Washington applauded the EU move but said it was still not enough. Diplomats say the real test of whether the moratorium is over will be when the EU approves the planting of GM crops.
"The EU has not shown a general position either in favour or against GMOs," Kyprianou said, adding that the EU's biotech policy continued to be based on precaution and prudence.