Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) for cultivation must undergo an individual risk assessment before being authorized to be placed on the European Union market in accordance with Annex II to Directive 2001/18/EC, taking into account the direct, indirect, immediate and delayed effects, as well as the cumulative long-term effects, on human health and the environment. The present Directive updates those rules by allowing Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory. Pursuant to new article 26a, as from 3 April 2017 Member States in which GMOs are cultivated shall take appropriate measures in border areas of their territory with the aim of avoiding possible cross-border contamination into neighbouring Member States in which the cultivation of those GMOs is prohibited, unless such measures are unnecessary in the light of particular geographical conditions.