A European court has fined France 10 million Euros ($12.9 million) for failing to amend its laws on genetically modified crops and foods.

European Union passed a directive in 2001 that regulates the use of GM crops, including how GM crops are grown for crop and seed production and how GM crops are imported. Individual European governments were supposed to integrate the law into their own national legislation by 2002, but France has repeatedly dragged its feet.

The European Court of Justice has now issued a statement saying that the “unlawful conduct repeatedly engaged in by France in the GMOs sector is of such a nature as to require the adoption of a dissuasive measure, such as a lump sum payment”.

The courts took into account a number of factors in deciding how much to fine France, including the length of the delay.

The court added “that virtually all the directive was transposed”. Only three of the provisions from the EU directive remain to be integrated into French national legislature.

France had said in its defence that genetically modified crops were a source of major public debate and occasional violence.

The judgment warned, however, that “France cannot rely on internal difficulties to avoid its obligations under Community law.”

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France fined over GM crop delay (BBC)