Genetically modified crops: politics and law of the European Union

The legal framework for genetically modified crops in Europe is based on the precautionary principle, differing fundamentally from the US system. Where the EU created a complex set of strict rules for dealing with genetically modified crops, the United States continue to view GM crops to be just as safe as conventional crops. This philosophical difference led to one of the most complicated disputes in front of the World Trade Organization. It turned to be ineffective, however, to pressure the EU through the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement. However, it is the current internal conflict between EU member states and the European Commission regarding the authorization procedure for GM crops and the economic ramifications of the zero tolerance policy of unapproved crops on the European livestock industry that might finally bring about change in the European framework