Expert opinion on GM microorganisms from the perspective of nature conservation
Biotechnology and genetic engineering
Discussion paper
The discussion paper on genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) provides a technical assessment of current EU regulatory initiatives in the field of biotechnology from the perspective of nature conservation. The focus is on environmental risk assessment and monitoring of GMMs. Main options for action regarding the regulation of GMMs are derived from the expert opinion.
Editor
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Year of publication
2026
Language
German
Pages
25
DOI
10.19217/hgr262
Sprungmarke
Description
The BfN has assessed the European Commission’s legislative proposal to amend Directive 2001/18/EC from a nature conservation perspective, taking into account the central ecological role of microorganisms, their specific biological characteristics and significant current gaps in knowledge.
On this basis, main options for action regarding the regulation of GMOs were identified, emphasising that, given the existing uncertainties in the risk assessment of GMOs, special care and adherence to the EU’s precautionary principle are necessary.