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Brussels, 02 Dec 2005

The Council held an initial policy debate on European perspectives on the future best use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as crops and foods, and on the European decision making process on GMOs.

The debate covered numerous aspects of policy on GMOs crops and feed-food, in particular the potential risks and benefits of GM technology, coexistence between GM and traditional crops, the decision-making process for individual GMOs and the need for further research.

The debate on this issue will continue during the next presidency, in particular in the light of the assessment reports that the Commission should present in 2006, regarding the implementation of the recent Community legislation (directive on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms1, regulation on genetically modified food and feed2, regulation concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms3).