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Adopted text

Genetically modified maize DP202216 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9 and its sub-combinations DP 202216 x NK603, DP202216 x DAS-40278-9

TA-10-2026-0265 · P10_TA(2026)0265 · PE789.025

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Parliament's resolution objects to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1443, which authorises imports of genetically modified maize DP202216 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9 and two sub-combinations for food and feed. It finds the decision exceeds the Commission's implementing powers and is incompatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 to ensure a high level of protection of health and the environment. It calls on the Commission to repeal the decision and not to authorise imports of herbicide-tolerant GM crops, citing higher use of complementary herbicides and risks to biodiversity, food safety and workers' health. It urges the Commission to weigh international commitments, apply the precautionary principle and not authorise GMOs without a qualified majority of member states in favour. It notes that cultivation of the maize is not allowed in the Union and that imports would undercut standards observed by Union farmers.

Key points

  1. Parliament considers that Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1443 exceeds the implementing powers provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
  2. It considers the decision inconsistent with Union law because it is not compatible with the aim of ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health, the environment and consumer interests.
  3. It calls on the Commission to repeal the decision.
  4. It calls on the Commission not to authorise imports of herbicide-tolerant GM crops, because of increased use of complementary herbicides and risks to biodiversity, food safety and workers' health.
  5. It welcomes the Commission's 2020 recognition that sustainability should be taken into account in GMO authorisations but criticises continued authorisations despite Parliament's objections and member states voting against.
  6. It urges the Commission to take account of the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and to accompany draft implementing acts with an explanatory memorandum on the 'do no harm' principle.
  7. It recalls Parliament's 2020 amendments to Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 stating the Commission shall not authorise GMOs without a qualified majority of member states in favour, and asks the Council to adopt a general approach on the file urgently.
  8. It notes that the application was submitted by Corteva Agriscience on 10 March 2023 and covered food, feed and other uses except cultivation.
  9. It notes that EFSA adopted a favourable opinion on 30 October 2025 but did not address broader environmental, socio-economic and cumulative impacts, long-term toxicology or pesticide residue interactions.
  10. It notes that no experimental data were submitted for the sub-combinations DP202216 x NK603 and DP202216 x DAS-40278-9, which EFSA had not previously assessed.
  11. It cites concerns that herbicide-tolerant crops increase herbicide use and resistant weeds, that glufosinate is classified as toxic to reproduction 1B and its Union approval expired on 31 July 2018, and that scientific uncertainty on glyphosate persists.
  12. It notes that cultivation of the GM maize is not allowed in the Union and that imports would place Union farmers at a competitive disadvantage.

Who is affected

  • The Commission: asked to repeal the authorisation decision and to stop authorising imports of herbicide-tolerant GM crops.
  • The Council: asked to adopt a general approach on the file amending Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 as a matter of urgency.
  • Union farmers: said to face a competitive disadvantage from imports not meeting the standards they observe.
  • Consumers and workers: cited as exposed to increased herbicide residues and risks to food safety and health.

Figures and deadlines

  • 10 March 2023: date the application for the GM maize was submitted.
  • 30 October 2025: date EFSA adopted its favourable opinion, published on 5 December 2025.
  • 27 April 2026: date of the Standing Committee vote at which no opinion was delivered.
  • 2 June 2026: date of the Appeal Committee vote at which again no opinion was delivered.
  • 29 June 2026: date of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1443.
  • 31 July 2018: date on which the approval of glufosinate for use in the Union expired.
  • 11 September 2020: date of the Commission letter to Members recognising the need to take sustainability into account.
  • 17 December 2020: date Parliament adopted amendments on the proposal amending Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Legal basis: Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (precautionary principle)