Commercial use of genetic modification is a highly controversial issue all around the world. The hopes are that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could have a role in ensuring food security. On the other hand, the scientific community is not yet in a position to give a definitive answer as to the dangers of GMOs for human health and the environment. Thus, law and policy makers find themselves in a difficult position of legislating in a very sensitive area, Ukraine being no exception.
On Mai 31, 2007 the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law of Ukraine “On the State Biosafety System for Developing, Testing, Transportation and Usage of Genetically Modified Organisms” (referred to further as the Law on GMOs). It is expected to bring a new quality into the relevant Ukrainian legislation as it is the first legal act in Ukraine that provides for a systematic approach in GMO handling. This comment starts with an overview of the GMO-related situation in Ukraine before the adoption of the Law on GMOs, continues with the presentation and assessment of the mechanisms introduced by the Law and ends with the recommendations on its improvement.
