Germany, October 2025 – Industrial Bioeconomy Dialogue Platform of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), Position paper on amending the European GMO legal framework for microorganisms.

This position paper, prepared by the Industrial Bioeconomy Dialogue Platform under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, outlines key challenges and opportunities within the current EU regulatory system for genetically modified microorganisms.

The current EU framework governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and, in particular, genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) pose major challenges for companies seeking approval for innovative products and production processes. New genomic techniques such as the Nobel Prize‑winning CRISPR/Cas technology offer enormous potential for biotechnology as a key technology for a future‑oriented, climate‑neutral and sustainable economy.

This position paper presents an evidence‑ and knowledge‑based proposal for redesigning the EU GMO legal framework for microorganisms. Its central recommendation is to move away from the current process‑based approach towards a product‑based framework that better reflects scientific progress and supports innovation while maintaining high safety standards.

Source: Industrial Bioeconomy Dialogue Platform of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)