The European Parliament today adopted a key report on the future of biotechnology in Europe, emphasizing the need for a responsible, science-based approach to innovation.

Biotechnology continues to be a major driver of innovation, notably in the development of advanced medical treatments. However, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed that robust safeguards must be in place when applying biotech in the food sector.

The Parliament’s message is clear: innovation must serve the public good, with health and safety as the highest priorities. No lab-grown or fermented food products should receive accelerated market access without thorough safety evaluations, including rigorous pre-clinical and clinical trials.

The report also calls for a comprehensive assessment of the broader impacts of food innovation. Scientific and health considerations must be complemented by evaluations of social, ethical, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions to ensure public acceptance and long-term sustainability.

“To support this balanced vision – stressed Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe – there is the urgent need to strengthen public research. Concerns are growing about the ongoing discussions surrounding the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), particularly regarding funding for the Horizon Europe programme and the Competitiveness Fund”.

A narrow focus on industrial biotech must not come at the expense of traditional, innovative agriculture. The report warns that side-lining this sector could weaken its strategic role in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and rural social cohesion.

This balanced perspective is also essential as the EU prepares for the upcoming Danish Presidency, especially regarding the promotion of plant-based alternatives to animal proteins. A debate is already foreseen during the next Agrifish Council, the 14^th of July. Without clear health and science-based approach, transparent labelling, and appropriate regulation to prevent misleading claims and imitation, the risk is to further destabilize the agricultural sector—particularly livestock farming, which is already facing structural challenges. As previously proposed by Eat Europe, the establishment of a High-Level Group—similar to that created for the wine sector—is urgently needed to address these concerns.

“Today’s vote sends a strong message to the European Commission: upcoming legislation, including the anticipated Biotech Act, must reflect this balanced, precautionary approach. When considering food-related biotech applications, rigorous safety assessments and alignment with societal values must remain central to EU policy”, concluded President Scordamaglia.