The Council has adopted new rules on genomic techniques, which establish a two-tier system distinguishing between NGT1 plants (with genetic changes comparable to those occurring naturally or through conventional breeding), which are subject to a simplified authorization process, exempt from GMO legislation, not labeled as GMO for consumers but labeled at seed level, and listed in a public database, and NGT2 plants (more complex modifications), which remain fully subject to existing GMO requirements including risk assessment, authorization, and labeling; the regulation also mandates transparency via an EU-wide database, prohibits the use of NGT plants in organic farming, and includes ongoing considerations regarding intellectual property rules and potential patent limitations.

The text still needs to be formally adopted by the European Parliament. Once adopted, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Most provisions will apply after a 24-month transition period, allowing time to adopt implementing rules. The new framework is expected to apply from mid-2028.