What Happened The European Court of Justice has ruled that new gene editing techniques fall within the broader definition of genetic modification, which is subject to strict regulation and, in some cases, outright bans within the European Union. The decision unveiled on July 25 modifies a previous opinion issued by the court that was less definitive . Last week's ruling will hobble research and development of agricultural biotechnology within Europe and likely prompt more biotech companies to move their operations outside the continent. As Stratfor wrote earlier this year: Much of the world will seek to distinguish between the genetic editing of plants and animals and traditional, transgenic GMOs (and the reputation they have acquired). Such a distinction would permit a more rapid incorporation and dissemination of such products to reach markets faster and with lower costs.