Update on European genetic engineering law

On the anniversary of the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) landmark ruling on genome editing and the CRISPR/Cas gene scissors, numerous scientists from European institutes (a total of 117 research institutions) are calling for a change in European genetic engineering law. In an appeal to the newly elected EU Parliament and the EU Commission, they are calling for the simplification of the new methods for breeding crops, particularly the CRISPR/Cas process, in order to enable sustainable agriculture in Europe. They argue that EU genetic engineering legislation is outdated and does not take into account the current state of scientific knowledge. Targeted genetic modifications and conventional cross-breeding methods should not be made dependent on the method of production and should not be subject to different regulations. The current regulations disadvantage publicly funded research institutions and smaller breeding companies, which cannot afford the lengthy and costly procedures required for the release of genetically modified organisms. The consequence of the ECJ ruling is that the new breeding technologies are predominantly used by financially powerful multinational corporations. In the long term, a decline in European competitiveness in the development of new varieties with improved traits is to be expected in international comparison. The researchers are receiving political support from the FDP. The Greens, however, oppose the scientists' view and support the ECJ ruling. The ECJ has clearly ruled that new genetic engineering is also genetic engineering and must therefore be subject to strict regulation. Appropriate regulation, safety testing, and labeling will ensure the precautionary principle and the freedom of choice between breeding methods.