Slovakia opposes proposed GM law change in EU, cites animal health, welfare concerns

SLOVAKIA – The Government of Slovakia has strongly opposed proposed changes in the European Union (EU) regulations on genetic modification (GM), citing potential risks to animal health, welfare, and biodiversity. 

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MPRV) has firmly rejected the new draft regulation on new genomic techniques (NGT), stating that it contradicts the EU’s precautionary principle.

The proposed changes, drafted by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and the European Safety Authority (EFSA), aim to reclassify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into two categories. 

NGT category one materials would be treated as conventional production, while category two materials would still be covered by existing GMO legislation. 

Category One materials are genetically modified using newer techniques (like CRISPR or other gene-editing methods) and, under the proposed EU regulation, would not be subject to the more stringent GMO legislation and regulations, which generally apply to traditional GMOs created through older genetic modification techniques.

Slovakia, however, contends that this reclassification could have far-reaching consequences for animal health, welfare, and food and feed safety.

Slovakia’s opposition is part of a broader movement within the EU, with the MPRV joining 200 organisations across the trading bloc—including 30 in Slovakia—in signing a declaration against the changes. 

The ministry asserts that targeted genome engineering techniques for NGT category one crops are still new, and their long-term effects on human and animal health and the environment remain unknown. 

It insists that a full evaluation, including comprehensive risk assessments, must be conducted before any legislative amendments are made.

Ensuring transparency in GM feed labeling

One of Slovakia’s primary concerns is the lack of transparency in labeling requirements under the proposed changes. As the draft stands, the NGT category one designation would only apply to propagating materials, allowing farmers to make informed decisions. 

However, the MPRV argues that this labeling should be extended throughout the supply chain, including animal feeds. Ensuring traceability and clear labeling would allow consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase and the feeds they use for their livestock.

The debate over GM regulation comes amid a broader conversation about biotechnology’s role in animal agriculture.

A recent EFSA panel report, “New developments in biotechnology applied to animals: an assessment of the adequacy and sufficiency of current EFSA guidance for animal risk assessment,” has highlighted potential risks associated with NGT animals. 

The report, currently under public consultation, examines synthetic biology (SynBio) and NGT applications in farmed species, including mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. 

While EFSA’s findings suggest that certain NGT animals—such as those modified using site-directed nucleases (SDN) 1 and 2—can be deemed equivalent to conventionally bred animals, the report acknowledges gaps in assessing animal welfare concerns.

Slovakia’s resistance underscores the importance of a cautious approach in adopting new genetic modification regulations. With animal health, welfare, and biodiversity at stake, the country calls for a more thorough scientific evaluation before deregulation. 

The EFSA panel is expected to finalise its report by June 30, a decision that could significantly impact the future of genetic engineering in European animal agriculture.

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