A novel governance framework for GMO: A tiered, more flexible regulation for GMOs would help to stimulate innovation and public debate.

EMBO Reports (2019) e47812New breeding techniques, in particular gene editing technologies such as CRISPR, have great potential to transform agri‐ and aquaculture. However, realising this potential depends in large part on the regulation of genetically engineered products. Given the rapid technological progress in molecular biology, and the widely diverging interests of stakeholders, there is an urgent need for novel approaches regarding the governance of genetically engineered crops and animals along with a restart of the public dialogue. Importantly, regulation should stimulate technological development while simultaneously maintaining governmental oversight and control; however, the EUu0027s current regulatory regime for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not necessarily conducive for stimulating development of new products.We therefore propose a differentiated regulatory framework that would considerably lower the regulatory hurdles for certain uses of genetic engineering, and stimulate innovation and development to the benefit of society, while allowing flexibility in terms of risk assessment. We further call upon relevant authorities and governments to advance policy development and facilitate a goal‐oriented and inclusive public dialogue. The aim is to harness the potential of gene technologies in a safe, beneficial, sustainable and ethically justifiable manner while maintaining public trust.### The Current SituationIn July 2018, after years of regulatory uncertainty in the EU, the European Court of Justice decided that all gene‐edited organisms are subject to the approval requirements that currently apply to the deliberate release of GMO under EU Directive 2001/18/EC [1]. The courtu0027s decision has been criticised by many European scientists [2], [3], [4], [5], who assert that it jeopardises the future of agriculture and food‐related research and development in the EU. In particular, many critics highlight that the current regulatory landscape will prevent the use of gene editing to rapidly develop novel agricultural products to deal …