Technology Neutrality in European Regulation of GMOs

Objections to the current EU regulatory system on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in terms of high cost and lack consistency, speed scientific underpinning have prompted proposals for a more technology-neutral system. We sketch conceptual background notion ‘technology neutrality’ propose refined definition term. The proposed implies that technology neutrality is gradual multidimensional feature. use analyze two reform proposals: One proposal from Netherlands improving exemption mechanism GMOs under Directive 2001/18/EC, one Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board, outlining new stratified risk assessment procedure. While both offer some degree improved dimensions compared regulation, extents dimensions, they do not. conclude regulation need, first, make explicit what extent improves and, second, present arguments supporting these specific improvements constitute desirable policy change against objections policy.