Commission faces motion of censure over GM maize plans

The EU Greens group is set to table a motion of censure against the European Commission for its plan to authorise the growing of a genetically modified maize, despite opposition from 19 member states.

Earlier this week, a European Parliament majority — including these 19 states — voted against an application to plant Pioneer-DuPont 1507 maize, developed by DuPont and Dow Chemical. However, following an inconclusive ministerial meeting on Tuesday, the commission indicated that it will approve the GM maize.

The Greens group said the parliament showed “disdain for the democratic process”. A motion of censure, if tabled, would probably be included in the parliament’s plenary session on February 24-27.