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Welcome to the Greenpeace European Unit

The Greenpeace European Unit is based in Brussels, where we monitor and analyse the work of the institutions of the European Union (EU), expose deficient EU policies and laws, and challenge decision-makers to implement progressive solutions.

 

Latest press releases

Barroso Commission authorises controversial GMO potato

02 March 2010

In one of its first decisions since taking office, the European Commission has today authorised the cultivation of a genetically modified (GM) crop for the first time since 1998. Health Commissioner Dalli, in agreement with President Barroso, used the so-called written procedure to authorise this crop so as to avoid a debate in the College of Commissioners. The genetically engineered potato (known as Amflora) developed by German agro-chemical company BASF contains a gene that confers resistance to certain antibiotics. Greenpeace warns that this GM crop poses an unacceptable risk to human and animal health, as well as to the environment.

New Commission supports bluefin tuna trade ban

22 February 2010

After months of deadlock, the European Commission has called on the EU to back the suspension of the international trade in bluefin tuna. EU environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik put forward the proposal recommending the EU’s support for the listing of bluefin tuna under appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Commission’s fisheries department, now led by incoming Commissioner Damanaki, has lifted its opposition to the move.

11% decline in cultivation of GM crops in Europe in 2009

19 February 2010

Next week, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), a biotech industry-funded body, will publish its annual report including figures on the acreage of land planted with GM crops. Greenpeace denounces the ISAAA for promoting GM crops as a solution to world poverty and world hunger. GM crops are in fact failing both in the fields and on the market, posing a serious threat to the environment and the livelihoods of farmers.

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Reports, policy papers & briefings

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