Brussels supports GM import plans

By Chris Morris BBC European correspondent

The European Commission has approved a proposal to allow the import of a genetically modified type of maize.

Ministers from the European Union, which imposed a moratorium on GM food products in 1998, have three months to decide whether they agree.

The commission says it is time to allow a genetically modified maize - known as Bt11 - into the European Union.

If ministers cannot agree on how to respond, the commission has the power to implement its proposal anyway.

Protesters want to keep the moratorium in place

So this is a step towards lifting the ban on new GM products, even though opinion within Europe is still deeply divided.

In a vote on the same subject last month, several countries - including Britain and Spain - voted in favour of lifting the ban.

France led another group of countries which voted against, while Germany and Italy were among those who abstained.

Environmentalists are adamantly opposed to the introduction of GM food in general.

They want the moratorium to stay in place.

But supporters of lifting the ban are trying to avoid another damaging dispute with the United States.

The US and other countries have filed a complaint against the EU with the World Trade Organisation, saying the EU is acting illegally.