EFSA has launched a public consultation on its draft Policy on Independence. In its Strategy 2020, EFSA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the independence of its experts, methods and data from any undue external influence. The new policy will ensure that necessary and proportionate, up-to-date standards are in place.

The draft policy is the result of a review of EFSA’s current independence policy carried out by a working group set up last year by EFSA’s Management Board. It reflects the results of an external evaluation of EFSA’s 2011 Policy on Independence and its 2014 Rules on Declarations of Interest.

The review placed particular focus on the definition of conflict of interest; the identification of financial or economic interest; a risk-based approach to competing interest management; the evaluation of research funding and scientific activities; and cooling-off periods.

In line with its commitment to openness and transparency, EFSA invites interested individuals, Member State authorities, the scientific community and all other stakeholders to provide their input and feedback on the draft policy document. Written comments should be submitted by 5 May 2017.