The National Assembly passed amendments to the Genetically Modified Organisms Act on second reading on Wednesday. The changes are aimed to update the rules for assessing the risks posed by GMOs to the environment and human health when such organisms are released into the environment or the market. The revisions are also intended to align national law provisions with an EU directive.
The scope of the law was expanded to include working with GMOs in a controlled setting or when they do not pose any risk.
The transitional provisions of the Genetically Modified Organisms Act were altered to indirectly amend the Protected Areas Act, which regulates the payment of indemnities for damage inflicted on protected areas.
Environment and Water Minister Borislav Sandov noted that the amendments will help end one of many infringement procedures of the European Commission against Bulgaria over delaying or failing to honour commitments assumed by the country.
