The Community adopted legislation aiming at a broadly preventative approach as regards the use of modern biotechnology. The Commission's White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment concluded that the Community should be open to reviewing its biotechnology regulatory framework, in order that the full potential of modern biotechnology for jobs, investment and growth can be realized. Following this commitment, the Commission, in consultation with Member State authorities, undertook such a review. Its objective was to ensure that the safety requirements and administrative procedures are appropriate to the risks for human health and the environment and reflect acquired experience, advances in scientific knowledge and established international practices. It also took account of the existing regulatory frameworks on modern biotechnology used by its main competitors, in particular the United States.
Legislation has yet to be adopted in Greece and Luxembourg, and has nearly been completed in Spain.
In Ireland, the specific regulations putting into effect the framework enabling legislation have still to be adopted. The Commission is preparing a Proposal to that end. Two-track approach 7. The review indicated that much use has now been made of the technology in research laboratories and industrial facilities worldwide. From this knowledge and experience, it may be concluded that the risks involved in the contained use of GMMs are substantially less than were once foreseen.