By Henrietta Billings - 30th November 2004
National governments have failed to reach an agreement on European Commission proposals to allow the import and processing of GM maize.
The regulatory committee, which represents member states did not reach the qualified majority necessary to back the proposals concerning GM maize MON863.
Anti-GMO campaigners Greenpeace welcomed the vote on Monday.
"We welcome the broad rejection of the European Commission's attempt to force the lifting of national bans on GMOs," said Greenpeace in a statement.
"However, countries need to defend their interests more decisively. Due to voting procedures, member states that voted by abstaining have left the way open for the Commission to go ahead and lift the national bans.
"What is needed is a clear majority against the proposal in the Council of Ministers next year."
Under EU procedures, the request will now be forwarded to the Council of ministers for a formal decision.
The council can either adopt or reject the proposals with a qualified majority.
And if no decision is taken after three months, the file returns to Brussels who can then adopt it.
If authorised, national governments would then have 20 days to repeal their individual bans after being notified of the decision.
The Bt-maize, which has been modified for resistance to corn rootworm, would be labelled as containing GM maize, in accordance with the labelling and traceability legislation in force since 15 April 2004.
It would be authorized for import and processing, for example as animal feed, but not for cultivation or human food.
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