Accelerating the risk assessment of NTGs in the name of sustainability? A grey area in the future European regulation on new genomic techniques

The European Union is preparing to overhaul the regulations governing new genomic techniques (NGTs), with the stated aim of reconciling innovation, competitiveness, and protection. The future regulation introduces a distinction between NTG-1 and NTG-2, with differentiated assessment procedures.

However, a discreet provision raises a key question: the possibility of accelerating risk assessments for certain NTG-2 plants in the name of “sustainability.”
Yet this concept remains vague, lacking clearly defined scientific criteria.
A poorly regulated fast-track approach risks undermining the credibility of expertise and public trust.

The report argues for precise indicators, independent assessment, and post-authorization monitoring to avoid unintended negative consequences.

> Read the whole paper: https://www.institutsapiens.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Article-NGT-regulations-2.0-In-English_VH-Jan28.pdf

> French version: https://www.institutsapiens.fr/observatoire/les-risques-du-fast-track-pour-les-ntg/#