GM Corn T25: Should It Stay on the Market?

European Parliament Resolution – 11 Feb 2026

The Parliament is reviewing the renewal of the market authorisation for genetically modified (GM) maize T25 (ACS‑ZMØØ3‑2). The decision is based on a draft Commission implementing decision (D111473/02) that would allow products made from this maize to be sold in the EU.

Key points

• Background

• The original authorisation (Commission Implementing Decision 2015/697) was renewed in 2015.

• BASF SE applied for renewal on 22 Mar 2024.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave a favourable opinion on 8 Aug 2025, saying the renewal does not raise new hazards or uncertainties compared with the 2013 assessment.

• EFSA’s opinion did not cover long‑term toxicology, cumulative effects, or broader environmental and socio‑economic impacts.

• Scientific concerns

• The GM maize is engineered to tolerate the herbicide glufosinate, which is classified as reproductive toxicant 1B and was approved in the EU until 31 Jul 2018.

• Studies show that herbicide‑tolerant crops often lead to higher use of complementary herbicides, creating a “herbicide treadmill” that can increase weed resistance, soil and water pollution, and exposure to herbicide residues in food and feed.

• No long‑term studies or detailed analysis of cumulative effects (e.g., interactions with other pesticides) have been performed.

• Regulatory and democratic issues

• The Parliament has issued 36 resolutions in its 8th term and 38 in its 9th term that object to GMOs.

• The draft decision would allow imports that do not meet EU standards, giving non‑EU farmers a competitive advantage.

• The Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed and the Appeal Committee have not reached a qualified majority on this issue, raising concerns about democratic legitimacy.

• Broader commitments

• The EU’s 2022 global biodiversity framework aims to cut pesticide risk by 50 % by 2030.

• Renewing the GM maize authorisation would conflict with international commitments to reduce pesticide use and could undermine the One Health approach, which links human, animal, plant and environmental health.

• Parliament’s demands

1. Withdraw the draft implementing decision.
2. Do not renew the GM maize authorisation until sufficient evidence on long‑term impacts on biodiversity, food safety, farmers’ livelihoods and animal health is available.
3. Submit a legislative proposal to reform the GMO decision‑making process, ensuring it reflects Parliament’s objections and the lack of qualified majority support among Member States.
4. Ensure that any future authorisations align with EU law, the precautionary principle, and the Union’s environmental and health objectives.

The resolution urges the Commission, the Council, and Member State governments to consider these points and to act in line with EU law and international commitments.