The Institute for European Studies at Saint-Louis University - Brussels, and the Jean Monet Chair on EU Law have the pleasure of inviting you to an academic seminar on the possible consequences on the free movement of goods of the recently adopted directive regarding the possibility for the Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory.

In effect, several Member States have been obstructing the placing on the market of GM crops though they were authorised in accordance with the EU procedures. Following the adoption by EU lawmakers of Directive 2015/412 amending Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs, the Member States are henceforth granted the right to prohibit or to limit the cultivation of GMOs in accordance with a harmonised authorisation procedure. The aim of the seminar is to explain the rationale for this reform, which might at first sight appear to be somewhat disconcerting from the viewpoint of the proper functioning of the internal market and WTO law. 

• Introductory presentation on EU GMOs authorisation schemes given by Jean Monnet Chair holder Prof. Dr. Nicolas de SADELEER (USL)

• Directive 2015/412 and the principle of free movement of goods by Mrs Maria WEIMER, Assistant professor, Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance,  Amsterdam University

• Directive 2015/412 and WTO law by Prof. Dr. Gerd WINTER, Professor of EU law, University of Bremen

These presentations will be followed by an open debate gathering academics and civil servants (national and EU).

Room P61 - Saint-Louis University, 43 Bld du Jardin botanique, 1000 Brussels (near Rogier subway station).