Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): genetically modified maize NK603

In this non-legislative resolution, Parliament objects to the draft Commission implementing decision that would renew the market authorisation of genetically modified maize NK603, which has been developed to confer tolerance to glyphosate. It notes that EFSA issued a favourable opinion but did not include long-term toxicological studies or analysis of cumulative and combinatorial effects, and that herbicide-tolerant GM crops lead to higher use of complementary herbicides and the emergence of resistant weeds, a cycle it describes as the herbicide treadmill. The resolution highlights unresolved questions about the carcinogenicity of glyphosate, contrasting EFSA and European Chemicals Agency conclusions with the International Agency for Research on Cancer's classification of glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen, and raises concerns about gene flow to wild relatives such as teosinte reported in Spain and France. It invokes the precautionary principle under Article 191 TFEU and notes that the decision would allow imports that do not comply with standards observed by Union farmers, placing them at a competitive disadvantage.