Press release - February 16, 2009
Brussels, Belgium — Today, a committee of experts from member states has been unable to reach a decision on national bans for Monsanto’s MON810 GM (genetically modified) maize. A majority of national experts opposed the Commission’s proposal to lift the bans in France and Greece, but did not reach the necessary ‘qualified majority’.
"EU countries have already said no to the Commission three times, yet once again the Commission is trying to lift national bans and to force GMOs onto our fields and into our plates. The EU authorisation process will be flawed as long as the Commission can manipulate it to promote its pro-GMO agenda and ignore recommendations by environment ministers to improve this system," (1) said Marco Contiero, Greenpeace EU GMO policy director.
"Peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that MON810 maize has negative environmental and socio-economic impacts, yet the Commission and its food safety authority continue to pick and choose the studies that back up their pro-GM political agenda," (2) said Contiero.
Monsanto's MON810 GM maize is the only GM crop currently grown in Europe. The Commission is attempting to lift existing bans in France, Greece, Hungary and Austria, despite new scientific evidence showing risks associated with the GM maize.
Other contacts:
Marco Contiero – Greenpeace EU GMO policy director: +32 (0)2 274 1906, +32 (0)477 777 034 (mobile), 
Mark Breddy – Greenpeace EU communications manager: +32 (0)2 274 1903, +32 (0)496 156 229 (mobile), 
Notes:
(1) See also: http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/EU-GMO-authorisation-system. The Parliament is expected to publish its own recommendations supporting the Council’s conclusions in the coming days.
(2) See: http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/policy-papers-briefings/environmental-and-health-impac.