"Germany did not agree to the ill-conceived and economically and consumer-damaging abolition of mandatory GMO labelling in the EU" – VLOG

In a trial vote in Brussels, a narrow majority of EU Member States voted in favour of abolishing mandatory GMO labelling and further eroding the regulations for new genetic engineering (NGT). According to reports, Germany abstained from voting. Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of the Association for GMO-Free Food (VLOG), commented:

"It is right and important that Germany did not agree to the ill-conceived and economically and consumer-damaging abolition of mandatory GMO labelling in the EU. The German government should now throw its full political weight behind protecting the economy and consumers in order to stop the deregulation of genetic engineering despite today's majority in the trial vote in Brussels.

"Now the European Parliament (EP) must save genetic engineering labelling. It can still overturn the proposed legislation in its vote in early 2026. This is exactly what MEPs should do, as they already called for the retention of mandatory GMO labelling and the exclusion of patents on genetically modified plants in their majority position adopted in 2024 – both of which contradict the current proposal.

"MEP Jessica Polfjärd (EPP), chief negotiator on NGT, should be wary of relying on the support of far-right MEPs for the EP to approve deregulation. This is particularly important for her group leader Manfred Weber (CSU/EPP) from Germany, who voted against deregulation in 2024, deviating from his own group. If in doubt, Markus Söder must make it clear to him that majorities achieved with the help of the far right are never a good idea.

"The fact that, after much hesitation and numerous appeals from Rewe, dm and other food companies, among others, the federal government has not approved the deregulation of genetic engineering is a welcome sign. Environment Minister Schneider and Justice Minister Hubig (both SPD) in particular have thankfully made their position very clear on this issue. It is also noteworthy that even the CSU-led Federal Ministry of Research is now taking the interests of companies, agriculture and consumers into account in its deliberations."

Source: VLOG

Photo: Concept Photography Berlin (according to VLOG press release of 19 Dec 2025, "photo... may be used freely for reporting purposes")