The European Commission’s proposal to deregulate GMOs has extended beyond plants to microorganisms, fungi, and viruses used in medicine, as well as animals. This move has been met with mixed reactions from multinationals, the European Parliament, and individual member states. While the European Commission has proposed ample deregulation for GMO/NGT plants, the European Parliament has called for a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for continued regulation to ensure public health and environmental safety.
The debate has also extended to GMMs, microorganisms used in pharmaceuticals, with the European Commission proposing partial deregulation. This move has been welcomed by some companies and experts, who see it as a means to streamline clinical trials and environmental risk assessments. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks and need for continued regulation.
The European Parliament has also called for the review of “available knowledge on other organisms, such as microorganisms, fungi and animals, with a view to future legislative initiatives on them,” further hinting at the possibility of deregulation of animals. The Commission is still reviewing the specificities of and needs for other sectors not covered in this legislation, including animals, which could potentially lead to future deregulation.