Contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms GMM (amend. Directive 90/219/EEC)

The Commission's modified proposal incorporates several amendments adopted by the European Parliament at first reading, particularly those intended to: - reiterate the fact that for all operations involving genetically modified micro-organisms the principles of good microbiological practice and safety and health at work apply in accordance with the relevant Community laws; - emphasize the need to adopt and use specific measures for controlling the disposal of material from activities involving the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms; - stress the need to provide a high level of safety for the general population and the environment; - place emphasis on the need to take account of the question of disposal when assessing the risk entailed in an activity involving genetically modified micro-organisms; - ensure that the applicant can himself request a decision on a formal authorization from the competent authority, this decision having to be made within a maximum of 45 days from the notification; - redraft the requirement on safety measures, which must be consistent with emergency plans; - limit the number of annexes which may be amended through the committee procedure; - request that, within six months of the implementation date of the directive, the criteria for the inclusion of certain types of genetically modified micro-organisms in Annex II, Part B, be laid down in accordance with Article 130s(1) of the EC Treaty; - apply commitology procedure type IIa, which allows the Council to adopt measures other than those proposed by the Commission. Regarding the annexes, the Commission agrees to add to Annex III a specific reference to Directive 90/679/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work. In the case of Annex IV, it agrees to amend the requirements on surfaces in laboratories, which must be resistant to water and decontamination agents and must be easy to clean. On a general note, the Commission has not accepted the amendments limiting the information given to the public or the Commission, introducing specific requirements on liability insurance, changing the legal basis of the directive or complicating its operation. �