Joint appeal highlights legal concerns over the new EU NGT Regulation
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Language Note: this article was originally written in English. Automated translations may contain inaccuracies. For precise information, please refer to the English text. We appreciate your patience.
BeeLife is among 300 organisations from across Europe that have co-signed a joint appeal concerning Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 on plants obtained through certain New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 17 June 2026.
The document has been prepared to provide national governments with legal, scientific and policy considerations regarding the new Regulation, which exempts most NGT1 plants from requirements such as risk assessment, traceability and labelling under EU GMO legislation. Read the Appeal
Addressed to Slovakia, relevant for all Member States
The appeal is addressed to the Government of Slovakia, acknowledging the position it has expressed during the legislative process and inviting it to consider submitting an action for annulment before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) against the Regulation.
More broadly, the document is intended as a resource for all EU Member States. It encourages national governments and competent authorities to examine the legal implications of the Regulation and to consider the options available under EU law.
Implications for pollinators
Among the issues highlighted in the appeal are the potential implications for pollinators.
As the document states:
"Changes in the plant genome can lead to unpredictable changes in the composition of nectar and pollen, directly threatening the health and reproductive capacity of bee colonies. The disruption of natural food chains and potential
toxicity to insects can cause the destabilization of the entire ecological balance."
The appeal also raises broader questions concerning the precautionary principle, environmental protection, consumer information and the long-term governance of new genomic techniques within the European Union.
