On January 21st 2009 the European Commission announced that it will propose the approval of two new varieties of GM maize for cultivation to the Member States. The genetically modified maize varieties "bt 11" (Syngenta) and "1507" (Dupont /Pioneer) would be the first GM maize varieties to be approved for cultivation within the European Union since 1998. It is the latest move in a controversy that has lasted for more than 3 years. On October 25th 2007 the European Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimas, suggested that these varieties not approved befor reasons of unclear long term risks such as detrimental effects on butterflies and on soil quality. This was the first time an EU Commissioner did not approve a proposal for a GMO within the European Community. While proposals of the Commissioner in charge are usually approved by the college of Commissioners, in this case, due to intensive lobbying of the GM-industry, the Commission decided to send the proposals back to the EFSA. The agency confirmed its advice for approval in October 2008 and dismissed the additional scientific evidence on the risks involved in bt 11 and 1507. Massive pressure from the cabinet of the Commission President José Manuel Barroso has apparently changed the position of Stavros Dimas.
Whether the new GM varieties will be approved or not depends on the vote of the governments of the 27 EU Member States. On February 25th the "Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health" of member states voted on the proposal with 6 countries (91 votes) in favour, 12 countries (127 votes) against, 7 countries (95 votes) abstaining and two countries (32 votes) not participating. As no qualified majority (255 votes) for either decision was achieved the Council of Ministers will now have to vote on the proposal. Here, a qualified majority against the approval will be required in order to stop the crops from being cultivated.