# Slovak Academy of Sciences NGT regulation dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-academy-of-sciences-ngt-regulation-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-03T16:39:10.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) has formally expressed opposition to new European Union regulations concerning New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). The Academy contends that NGT procedures constitute laboratory-based genetic modifications that result in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

Despite recent EU regulations exempting certain NGT1 category plants from standard GMO risk assessments, traceability, and labeling requirements, the SAS warns that these procedures can be “DNA-damaging and unpredictable.” The Academy argues that because NGT1 plants are laboratory-made and indistinguishable from those produced through conventional breeding, the current regulatory framework prevents consumers from making informed choices. They have called for the withdrawal of the regulation in favor of proper risk assessment and labeling.

In response to the regulatory landscape, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the government’s intent to file a lawsuit with the European Court of Justice to challenge the EU regulation. This move has met opposition from the Slovak Breeding and Seed Association (SŠSA). 

SŠSA Chairman Miroslav Námesný argued against spending public resources on legal disputes with “uncertain outcomes,” suggesting the government instead focus on the high-quality implementation of the regulation. The SŠSA recommends prioritizing secondary legislation, practical rules, research support, and public education to ensure Slovak breeders remain competitive within the European framework.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Slovak Breeding and Seed Association opposes EU regulation lawsuit

The Slovak Breeding and Seed Association urges the government to implement new EU genomic technique regulations instead of pursuing a lawsuit against the EU.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-breeding-and-seed-association-opposes-eu-regulation-lawsuit

### 2026-08-26: Slovak Academy of Sciences opposes new EU NGT regulations

The Slovak Academy of Sciences opposes new EU regulations on New Genomic Techniques, citing risks to traceability and labeling, while the Slovak Breeding and Seed Association supports the innovation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-academy-of-sciences-opposes-new-eu-ngt-regulations

### 2026-08-26: Slovak Academy of Sciences faces mRNA vaccine conflict of interest allegations

The Slovak Academy of Sciences faces allegations of a conflict of interest involving mRNA vaccine research and a partnership with Sensible Biotechnologies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-academy-of-sciences-faces-mrna-vaccine-conflict-of-interest-allegations

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Cite as: Slovak Academy of Sciences NGT regulation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-academy-of-sciences-ngt-regulation-dispute