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The Cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms in the European Union: A Necessary Trade‐Off?

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  • François Randour
  • Cédric Janssens
  • Tom Delreux

Abstract

This article analyzes the reasons why in 2010 the European Commission proposed a legislative framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that could give some powers back to the Member States. This legislative proposal is puzzling since it moves the centre of decision‐making regarding the cultivation of GMOs from the EU level back to the domestic level and it also contradicts the generally acknowledged behaviour of the Commission as a competence maximizer. Using a multilevel governance perspective and based on an extensive literature review and semi‐structured interviews, the article examines the dynamics and relationships between the various levels of governance that generated pressures on the Commission to issue this counterintuitive proposal. The findings suggest that the Commission is making a (necessary) trade‐off between, on the one hand, the respect of international obligations and the preservation of the internal market, and on the other hand, internal pressures towards stricter regulation of GMOs.

Suggested Citation

  • François Randour & Cédric Janssens & Tom Delreux, 2014. "The Cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms in the European Union: A Necessary Trade‐Off?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(6), pages 1307-1323, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:52:y:2014:i:6:p:1307-1323
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.12149
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pollack, Mark A., 2003. "The Engines of European Integration: Delegation, Agency, and Agenda Setting in the EU," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199251179.
    2. Liesbet Hooghe, 2012. "The European Commission in the 21st Century - Core Beliefs on EU Governance," KFG Working Papers p0038, Free University Berlin.
    3. Grace Skogstad, 2011. "Contested Accountability Claims and GMO Regulation in the European Union," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(4), pages 895-915, July.
    4. Gregory Shaffer & Mark Pollack, 2004. "Regulating Between National Fears and Global Disciplines:Agricultural Biotechnology in the EU," Jean Monnet Working Papers 10, Jean Monnet Chair.
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