On June 17, 2026, the European Union adopted new rules for genetically modified crops, and Slovakia reacted sharply. Already in June, the government threatened to sue the Court of the EU (European Union Court), and now the Ministry of Justice is preparing the relevant document. This decision will directly affect products in stores and the agricultural sector, so it also concerns Ukrainians living in Slovakia.
New rules and their impact
The essence of the dispute is in the so-called new genomic techniques (NGT). They allow changing plant DNA more precisely and faster than classical breeding. The new law divides such plants into two categories:
- NGT1: This includes plants with changes that could occur naturally or through traditional breeding. After verification, they will be regulated like ordinary crops — without the standard permit and risk assessment required for classic GMOs (genetically modified organisms). This is where Slovakia sees the main problem: although seeds of NGT1 plants will be labeled and entered into a public database, finished products made from them will not necessarily have GMO or NGT labels. That means you as a buyer will not be able to know if the product contains genetic modifications.
- NGT2: This category covers more complex genetic modifications. For them, as before, risk assessment, permits, tracking, and labeling similar to current GMOs will be required. The new rules also prohibit the use of NGT plants in organic farming.
Why is Slovakia against it?
Slovakia has long had a strict position on GMOs. The Minister of Agriculture, Richard Takáč, called his ministry’s position "definitely negative." About 300 organizations and experts from Slovakia and other European countries called on the government to challenge the law in the Court of the EU. Their main concerns are insufficient labeling, possible harm to the environment, and that farmers will become even more dependent on patented varieties.
Member of the European Parliament Branislav Ondruš also urged the government to file a lawsuit. He emphasized that the new rules deprive consumers of the right to know what they are buying. According to him, three-quarters of Slovaks demand this, regardless of political views, because it concerns food safety and protection of basic rights.
Arguments in favor of NGT
On the other hand, some farmers and scientists support the new system. Genetic editing can help develop plants more quickly that are more resistant to drought, heat, diseases, and pests. Such crops also require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. The European Commission assures that the new rules will maintain a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
What’s next?
The regulation was finally adopted on June 17, 2026, and came into force on July 16, 2026. However, the new rules will only start to apply from July 17, 2028. Until then, all such plants will fall under the existing EU GMO rules. This gives Slovakia time to challenge it. The deadline for filing a lawsuit is August 26, 2026.
So far, the Slovak government has not officially announced whether the lawsuit has already been filed. It is only known that the Ministry of Justice is preparing a proposal for the government regarding the challenge.
If the composition of products is important to you, it is worth following this story. Its outcome will directly affect the assortment in stores and the entire agricultural sector of the country.
Read more about this situation at Techbyte.sk.
