Slovakia to Challenge EU Deregulation of Gene Editing in Court

The European Union’s new legislation on gene-edited plants creates a category known as NGT1 for plants produced using so-called new genomic techniques. Once verified as meeting the relevant criteria, these plants can essentially be treated like conventionally bred varieties, without the case-by-case GMO risk assessments, authorization requirements, food labeling, and traceability that would otherwise apply.

Slovakia was among six EU countries that opposed the legislation and has raised particular concerns about consumers losing the ability to make informed choices. Critics also warn that removing risk assessment and traceability requirements could have implications for organic and non-GMO agriculture. The new regulation entered into force in July 2026, although its main provisions will not apply until July 2028. At the time of writing, Slovakia has announced its intention to bring legal action but has not yet lodged the case.

Our Foundation has long argued that consumers have a fundamental right to know how the food they purchase has been produced. New genetic technologies should not be exempted from appropriate safety assessment, transparency, and labeling simply because their developers claim they can produce changes resembling those that might occur naturally or through conventional breeding. Slovakia’s challenge therefore raises important questions about the precautionary principle, consumer choice, and whose interests European food regulation is ultimately designed to serve.

To learn how new-generation GMOs are intentionally labeled with vague buzzwords so as to avoid public resistance and informed debate, see this news story on our website.