Scientific uncertainty and political regulation: European legislation on the contained use and deliberate release of genetically modified (micro) organisms

Abstract

The evolution of the EEC directives on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms is examined. The scrutiny of the directives has been hampered by the lack of scientific expertise in the European Parliament and technicalities of legal procedure. The concerns over the mobility of genetic elements have, however, resulted in increased funding for environmental protection in science, research and development programmes.

Keywords:

• genetic engineering
• biotechnology
• risk assessment