WRITTEN QUESTION E-1891/02 by Eluned Morgan (PSE) to the Commission. Genetically modified organisms.
Date: 2002-07-01
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: consumer protection, environmental protection, genetically modified organism, marketing, public health

6.2.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 28 E/149

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2002)

The Honourable Member’s question does not fall within the Community’s remit: it is a matter for the
it does not have the information
relevant national authorities alone. The Commission regrets that
requested.

(2003/C 28 E/171)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1891/02

by Eluned Morgan (PSE) to the Commission

(1 July 2002)

Subject: Genetically modified organisms

Is the Commission likely to take up the suggestion that GM-free zones should be established within the
European Union? If so, on what basis will these zones be decided?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2002)

The system authorising the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms for
research and development purposes or for their placing on the market is currently governed by Council
Directive 90/220/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically
modified organisms (1). Directive 2001/18/EC (2) of
the Council of
12 March 2001 comprehensively amends the above Directive and repeals it with effect from 17 October
2002, by which date the Member States must have transposed the new Directive into their national
legislation.

the European Parliament and of

Under this Directive the Commission must ensure a high level of health and consumer protection. For a
GMO to be authorised under Part B (deliberate release for research and development purposes in
particular) or Part C (placing on the market of products containing GMOs) a scientific assessment must be
made of the risks to health and the environment inherent in the introduction of GMOs. Once GMOs are
authorised for cultivation, they can be planted provided that the notification regarding their placing on the
market covers their cultivation as well.

Neither Directive 90/220/EEC nor Directive 2001/18/EC provides for the creation of GMO-free zones in
the Union. However, the issue of GMO crops existing alongside conventional or organic crops has been
raised in the Communication on Life Sciences and Biotechnology and the resulting action plan, in which
the Commission has committed itself to developing certain ideas in partnership with the Member States,
farmers and the various operators involved. The aim is to ensure that conventional and organic agriculture
remains viable and can co-exist with GMO crops.

(1) OJ L 117, 8.5.1990.
(2) OJ L 106, 17.4.2001.

(2003/C 28 E/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1892/02

by Pierre Jonckheer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 July 2002)

Subject: Open-cast coal mine in northern León (Valle de Laciana, Spain)

The company Minero-Siderúrgica de Ponferrada SA (MSP), owned by the Leonese businessman Victorino
Alonso, has begun to exploit the open-cast coal mine Fonfría in Villablino, in the district of Valle de
Laciana, covering a surface area of 300 hectares. The mine is located less than 700 metres from the village
of Orallo and 1500 metres from another open-cast mine, El Feixolín.