The maize, known by its code number 1507, is jointly made by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of DuPont Co., and Dow AgroSciences unit Mycogen Seeds.
The maize, modified to resist certain insects and herbicides, will be used in animal feed. The authorisation is valid across the EU-25 for 10 years.
"Robust post-marketing rules will ensure that the product can be traced and monitored when put on the market," the Commissio? said in a statement.
"When put on the market, it will need to be clearly labelled as containing genetically modified maize. Its post-market monitoring will be assured through a unique identifier assigned to the maize to enable its traceability."
The EU decision is a rubberstamp procedure applied by the Commission. It is permitted under a legal default process that kicks in when ministers are unable to agree among themselves after a period of three months.
Despite last year’s lifting of an effective biotech moratorium using default procedures, EU countries have not managed to agree by themselves on a GMO approval since 1998.
Luxembourg, Greece and Austria consistently vote against GMO approvals. They are offset by countries like Britain, Finland and the Netherlands that almost always vote in favour. Others sit on the fence or vary their vote according to the product concerned.
Europe’s consumers have been far more reluctant than those in the United States to accept GMO products, which manufacturers insist are safe.
In late August the Commission rubberstamped a similar approval for a GMO rapeseed made by US biotech giant Monsanto, again for use in animal feed.