GREENPEACE CONDEMNS COMMISSION DECISION TO FORCE GE MAIZE INTO AUSTRIA, ITALY AND LUXEMBOURG
BRUSSELS, Sept 10, 1997 - Greenpeace today condemned the European Commission's decision to reject the applications of Austria, Italy and Luxembourg to ban the import of Novartis's genetically engineered maize (GE maize).
"Despite increasing scientific evidence emerging of the dangers of these GE plants, the Commission continues to allow its own environmental policies to be decided by US trade pressure," said Greenpeace spokesperson Isabelle Meister. Greenpeace is calling on all EU member states to refuse to endorse the Commission's decision.
Meister said the European Commission's decision raises particular concern as it is based on inadequate tests and information concerning the risk of Novartis's maize to the environment. "For example, the European Commission failed to request data about the possibility of the Bt toxin being passed on in the foodchain, and its potential of harming beneficial non-target species," she said. Recently the Swiss journal "Facts" reported that two out of three beneficial predator insect larvae (green lacewing larvae) died when they were fed with European corn borer which had fed on the GE maize.
More general adverse effects of genetically engineered plants are also emerging. New Scientist magazine reported, on August 16, new French research which found that plants which have been genetically engineered to ward off destructive insects could also harm beneficial ones, such as bees, shortening their lives and impairing their ability to recognise smells.
This year's harvest of GE maize and GE soya has just started in the US, and the first imports into Europe of increasingly GE contaminated US maize and soya are coming soon. In 1996 13 EU member states opposed the introduction of Novartis's GE maize. In February 1997, Austria and Luxembourg asserted their right under EU legislation and provisionally imposed a national ban on the GE maize. In April 1997 the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the EU Commissions decision to allow the GE maize.
The European Commission decision before coming into force needs to be endorsed by EU member states. "Greenpeace is calling on all European member state to help Austria, Italy and Luxembourg to defend its right to protect environment by refusing to endorse the European Commission decision," said Meister. If the Commission fails to get a qualified majority of member state to endorse its proposal the Council of Ministers will have to decide.
Contacts: Michelle
Sheather or
Isabelle Meister
Greenpeace international campaigner
++49. 40 306 18410 or
++41.1.4474185
Susanne Leubuscher,
Greenpeace international EU adviser
++32.2.280 14 00