In December 2010 the Committee adopted an opinion on the cultivation of GMO's in the EU, CESE 1623/2010 (NAT/480). The opinion was of a predominantly legal character. Nevertheless, it concerns an issue which is extremely complex in nature, and on which many different opinions exist between Member States. A long series of amendments were tabled on the draft opinion both in the Section and the Plenary. Furthermore, given the fact that the file is currently at the centre of discussion between EU institutions and that a total review of the EU legislative framework for GMO's is foreseen in 2012, the Committee may have to take a position again next year.
Therefore, the requesting body is of the opinion that the issue of GMO's merits a supplementary opinion to explore the state of affairs in biotechnology and shed some light on the more technical questions of its application.
Download — EESC Opinion: GMOs in the EU (additional opinion)
The EESC welcomes the fact that the proposals offer citizens who have fallen victim to crime whilst abroad in one Member State the scope to report the crime in their Member State of residence. This is particularly important in cases of serious injury or accident, or for the family, in case of a fatality. The EESC supports the directive's horizontal approach, covering rights for all victim and underline the importance of recognising the suffering and challenges faced by the family of the victim, as well as the victim themselves.
Download — EESC opinion: Victims' rights in the EU
