Title: Lacks and possible improvements in European Union law concerning GMOs

Authors: Marie-Pierre Baudin-Maurin; Jean-Michel Panoff

Addresses: Private Law Research Center (CRDP – EA967), Law Department, University of Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France; Risk Pole, House for Research on Human Sciences (MRSH), University of Caen Basse-Normandie, France; CRIIGEN, Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering, France ' Food, Bioprocess, Toxicology, Environments Laboratory (ABTE – EA4651), Campus 1, University of Caen Basse-Normandie, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France; Risk Pole, House for Research on Human Sciences (MRSH), University of Caen Basse-Normandie, France; CRIIGEN, Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering, France

Abstract: Because of the complexity of many environmental problems, we need their holistic assessment. That is why, in such a matter, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. It has also been the guiding line for this present study on the European regulation of the GMOs, crossing the different points of view of a lawyer and a biologist. According to the European legislation, molecular biology and dissemination of genetically modified organisms are mainly regulated by two major directives of the European Parliament and of the Council: Directive 2009/41/EC on the contained use of genetically modified microorganisms, and Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. Two different approaches are possible to analyse those directives and suggest possible improvements.

Keywords: genetically modified organisms; GMOs; European law; risk; sustainable development; sustainability; European Union; EU law; molecular biology; EU regulation; genetically modified microorganisms.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2014.066800

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2014 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.237 - 247

Received: 17 Sep 2013
Accepted: 09 May 2014

Published online: 14 Jan 2015 *

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